U.S. gOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

NEWS ARCHIVE 2009

College Emergency Preparedness Initiative Funding for FY 2010 (12/15/09)

Summary: The Consolidated Appropriations bill included $7,000,000 to continue the Emergency Management Higher Education (EMHE) program in the Department of Education. This is  the same amount requested by the President and recommended by both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. 

• Download memo from IAEM-USA Policy Advisor Martha Braddock.

FEMA Issues Clarification on Management and Administration for Homeland Security Grant Program (up to 5% for grantee and up to 5% for subgrantee), LETPA Set-aside, and Port Security Allocations (10 Dec 2009) Download Information Bulletin 339, Dec. 10, 2009.

DHS/FEMA Releases FY 2010 Grant Guidance for 13 Grant Programs (including EMPG, EOCs, SHSGP, UASI, MMRS, Citizen Corps and Others) Totaling $2.7 Billion (08 Dec 2009) Today DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the release of the FY 2010 grant program guidance and application kits for 13 grant programs, including Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG); Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant  Program; State Homeland Security Program; Urban Areas Security Initiative; Operation Stonegarden, Metropolitan Medical Response System Program; Citizen Corps Program; Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program; UASI Nonprofit Security Grant Program; Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program; Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program;; Buffer Zone Protection Program; Driver's License Security Grant Program; Port Security Grant Program; Intercity Bus Security Grant Program; and Freight Rail Security Grant Program and Intercity Passenger Rail.

• Overview
  • Highlights memo from IAEM Policy Advisor Martha Braddock (revised 10 Dec 2009)
  • DHS press release announcing grant guidance for 13 programs
  • FY 2010 Grant Program Overview
  • Note: The funding tables indicating the allocation per state, urban area, jurisdiction or port area (depending on the grant) are included in the grant overview starting on page 13.
• FY 2010 Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG)
  • EMPG Frequently Asked Questions
  • EMPG Guidance and Application Kit
  • EMPG Workplan
  • State-by-State Allocations  
• FY 2010 Emergency Operations Center Grants (EOC)
  • FY 2010 EOC Summary
  • FY 2010 EOC FAQs
  • FY 2010 EOC Guidance and Application Kit
  • FY 2010 EOC Grant Program Investment Justification Template
  • FY 2010 EOC Grant Program Scoring Worksheet
• FY 2010 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
  

  The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) suite consists of five sub-programs, namely the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), Operation Stonegarden (OPSG), Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS), and Citizen Corps Program (CCP).

  • Dec. 10 FEMA Information Bulletin 339 includes a change from the Dec. 8 Guidance on Management and Administration costs.  Grantees may retain and use up to 5% Homeland Security Grant Program funds toward Management and Administration (M&A) and subgrantees may retain and use up to 5% of their subaward. (No M&A funds may be used to support the FY 2010 Operation Stonegarden Program.)
  • FY 2010 HSGP Summary
  • FY 2010 HSGP FAQs
  • FY 2010 HSGP Guidance and Application Kit
  • FY 2010 HSGP Investment Planning Worksheet
  • FY 2010 HSGP OPSG Operations Order Template
  • FY 2010 HSGP Checklist
  • FY 2010 HSGP Supplemental Resource: Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers
  • FY 2010 HSGP Supplemental Resource: Children in Disasters Guidance
  • FY 2010 HSGP Supplemental Resource: Cyber Security Guidance
  • FY 2010 HSGP Supplemental Resource: Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Guidance
  • FY 2010 HSGP Supplemental Resource: Geospatial Guidance
  • FY 2010 HSGP Supplemental Resource: Law Enforcement Information Sharing Service Guidance
  • FY 2010 HSGP Supplemental Resource: Office of Health Affairs Guidance
  • FY 2010 HSGP Supplemental Resource: SAFECOM Guidance
• FY 2010 Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP)
  • FY 2010 THSGP Summary
  • FY 2010 THSGP FAQs
  • FY 2010 THSGP Guidance and Application Kit
  • FY 2010 THSGP Investment Justification Template
• FY 2010 Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP)
  • FY 2010 RCPGP Summary
  • FY 2010 RCPGP FAQs
  • FY 2010 RCPGP Guidance and Application Kit
• FY 2010 Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP)
  • FY 2010 BZPP Summary
  • FY 2010 BZPP FAQs
  • FY 2010 BZPP Guidance and Application Kit
• FY 2010 Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP)
  • FY 2010 IECGP Summary
  • FY 2010 IECGP FAQs
  • FY 2010 IECGP Guidance and Application Kit
  • FY 2010 IECGP Investment Justification Template
  • FY 2010 IECGP Supplemental Resource: SAFECOM Guidance
• FY 2010 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)
  • Note: See Dec. 10 FEMA Information Bulletin 339 for updated allocation tables.
  • FY 2010 PSGP Summary
  • FY 2010 PSGP FAQs
  • FY 2010 PSGP Guidance and Application Kit
  • FY 2010 PSGP Investment Justification Template
  • FY 2010 PSGP Sample Budget Detail Worksheet
• FY 2010 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP)
  • FY 2010 IBSGP Summary
  • FY 2010 IBSGP FAQs
  • FY 2010 IBSGP Guidance and Application Kit
  • FY 2010 IBSGP Investment Justification Template
  • FY 2010 IBSGP Sample Budget Detail Worksheet
  • FY 2010 IBSGP Vulnerability Assessment and Security Plan Certification Statement
• FY 2010 Intercity Passenger Rail (Amtrak)
  • FY 2010 IPR Summary
  • FY 2010 IPR Guidance and Application Kit
  • FY 2010 IPR Investment Justification Template
  • FY 2010 IPR Sample Budget Detail Worksheet
• FY 2010 Driver's License Security Grant Program (DLSGP)
  • FY 2010 DLSGP Summary
  • FY 2010 DLSGP FAQs
  • FY 2010 DLSGP Guidance and Application Kit
  • FY 2010 DLSGP Budget Detail Worksheet
  • FY 2010 DLSGP Application Template
• FY 2010 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
  • FY 2010 NSGP Summary
  • FY 2010 NSGP FAQs
  • FY 2010 NSGP Guidance and Application Kit
  • FY 2010 NSGP Investment Justification Template
  • FY 2010 NSGP Grant Program Scoring Worksheet
 

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate Announces Reorganization at FEMA Headquarters (03 Dec 2009) Today FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate announced a reorganization at FEMA headquarters. The new structure will "more closely align FEMA's form with its functions, grouping various programs together based on the nature of their mission" and will "decrease the number of direct reports to the Administrator."

• Memo from FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate to All FEMA Employees
• New FEMA Organizational Chart Effective Dec. 3, 2009
• FEMA Reorganization: Frequently Asked Questions

IAEM-USA Was Represented at the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) Executive Committee Meeting, Nov. 19, 2009 (19 Nov 2009) DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and DHS leadership met with the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Executive Committee to elaborate on the preliminary QHSR findings and to provide an opportunity for input.

Seated, left to right: Nick Crossley, CEM, Director Johnson County Kansas Emergency Management and Homeland Security, representing National Association of Counties (NACo); David Maxwell, Director of Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, representing National Emergency Management Association (NEMA); Lee Feldman, City Manager, Palm Bay, Florida, representing the International City/County Management Association; Governor Martin O'Malley, Maryland, representing the National Governors Association; Tom Wyss, State Senator, Indiana, representing the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL); Doug Palmer, Mayor of Trenton, New Jersey, representing U.S. Conference of Mayors; Russell Decker, CEM, Director of Allen County  Ohio Emergency Management, representing the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM-USA).   Standing, left to right: DHS Assistant Secretary for Policy,  David Heyman; Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute; Secretary Janet Napolitano; General Counsel Ivan Fong; Assistant  Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs Juliette Kayyem.  

Left to Right: Russell Decker, CEM, Director of Allen County (Ohio) EM, representing IAEM; DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano; and Nick Crossley, CEM, Director Johnson County Kansas Emergency Management and Homeland Security, representing National Association of Counties (NACo).

IAEM-USA Government Affairs Committee Met During the IAEM 57th Annual Conference & EMEX 2009 in Orlando, Florida (01 Nov 2009)

Visit the USGA Photo Gallery (IAEM 2009) | Download Meeting Agenda

Russ Decker honored past and present U.S. Government Affairs(USGA) Committee Chairs in recognition of their success in leading the effort to increase funding for Emergency Management Performance Grants. The FY 2010 appropriated amount is $340 million. Left to right: Russ Decker, CEM, IAEM-USA President (2008-2009); past USGA Committee Chairs Mike Selves, CEM, and Bob Bohlmann, CEM; and current USGA Committee Chair Randy Duncan, CEM.

Final Update on FY 2010 Appropriations (28 Oct 2009) President Obama signed HR.2892 on Oct. 28, 2009, the bill making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for FY 2010. It is now Public Law 111-82. The Conference  Committee Report (H.Report 111-298) was approved by the House on Oct. 15, 2009, and by the Senate on Oct. 20, 2009. To have your references in one place, we are also linking the House and Senate Committee reports.

• P.L. 111-83, DHS Appropriations for FYI 2010 (signed Oct. 28, 2009)
• Conference Committee Report on H.R. 2892, H. Report 111-82 (filed Oct. 13, 2009)
• Senate Committee Report on S. 1298, S. Report 111-31 (filed June 18, 2009)
• House Committee Report, H. Report 111-157 (filed June 16, 2009)

NEMA Celebrates 35th Anniversary by Donating $1,000 to the IAEM Scholarship Fund (12 Oct 2009)

Nancy Dragani, President of the National Emergency Management Association, presented a check for $1000 to Russ Decker, CEM, IAEM-USA President, for the IAEM Scholarship Fund at the NEMA Conference, in celebration of NEMA's 35th anniversary.

IAEM-USA Leaders Discussed Key Preparedness Issues with FEMA Deputy Administrator Tim Manning at NEMA Conference (12 Oct 2009)

Left to right: Randy Duncan, CEM, IAEM-USA Government Affairs Committee Chair; Martha Braddock, IAEM-USA Policy Advisor; Tim Manning, FEMA Deputy Administrator for Preparedness; Pamela L'Heureux, CEM, IAEM-USA First Vice President; and Russell Decker, CEM IAEM-USA President. 

Conference Held on  DHS Appropriations for FY 2010 (07 Oct 2009) A conference was held to resolve differences on H.R. 2892, the FY 2010 DHS Appropriations Bill. Emergency Management Performance Grants were funded at $340 million, a $25 million increase over the President's request.

• Download highlights memo from IAEM Policy Advisor Martha Braddock
• Download news release from House and Senate Appropriations Committees.

More information will be posted when the Conference Report is available. Until the House and Senate adopt the Conference Report and the President signs the bill, DHS will continue to operate under the conditions of the Continuing Resolution.

IAEM-USA Members Asked to Provide Input in the Third and Last National Dialogue on the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (23 Sept 2009) The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security has requested that IAEM-USA members provide their input on the third and last national dialogue on the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR). The QHSR is a Congressionally-mandated, top-to-bottom review of homeland security that "will guide and inform the nation's homeland security policies for the next four years." Beginning Monday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, you have the opportunity to review the final proposed content and provide your opinions in six (6) areas, including preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters.  It is important that emergency managers participate. 

• DHS request: last chance to know your thoughts
• Fact Sheet on National Dialogue, including background and instruction on registering

Update on Continuing Resolution and FY 2010 DHS Appropriations Bill (23 Sept 2009) Download memo from IAEM Policy Advisor Martha Braddock. A Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government operating after September 30 has passed the House; short term extensions of  the PreDisaster Mitigation Program  and the National Flood Insurance Program are included in the CR; and a House/Senate issue that was holding up conference on the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations and other bills has been resolved. A conference is expected next week on the DHS bill.

IAEM-USA Members Asked to Comment on Draft Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet 9580.102, "Permanent Relocation" (23 Sept 2009) FEMA has requested feedback from IAEM-USA on its draft Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet 9580.102, "Permanent Relocation." Please provide comments on the draft document no later than Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, via e-mail to Randy Duncan at rduncan@sedgwick.gov.

• Download draft Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet 9580.102, Permanent Relocation

Secretary Napolitano Announces More Than $380 Million in Preparedness Grants Funded by the Recovery Act (23 Sept 2009) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced more than $380 million in grants—funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)—to pay for fire station construction and port and transit security initiatives nationwide while creating jobs and stimulating local economies.

• Grant Release Overview
• Press Release (23 Sept 2009)

• Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

IAEM-USA Representatives Meet with FEMA and DHS Leaders (10 Sept 2009) IAEM-USA President Russ Decker, CEM, and IAEM-USA Executive Director Beth Armstrong, MAM, CAE, met on Sept. 10 with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, to discuss issues of importance to emergency managers.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate (far right) on Sept. 10 met with (left to right) U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, IAEM-USA President Russ Decker, CEM, and IAEM-USA Executive Director Beth Armstrong, MAM, CAE. (DHS/Barry Bahler)

IAEM-USA Members Asked to Comment on Draft Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 502: Considerations for Fusion Center and Emergency Operations Center Coordination (09 Sept 2009) FEMA has requested feedback from IAEM-USA on its draft Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 502: "Considerations for Fusion Center and Emergency Operations Center Coordination." This draft document is intended to be a cooperative effort between the joint DHS/DOJ Fusion Process Technical Assistance Program and the broader FEMA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) effort, and is designed to help both novice and experienced planners navigate the planning process.

     The purpose of the document is to provide State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local officials with guidance for coordination between fusion centers and emergency operations centers (EOCs).  It outlines the general roles of fusion centers and EOCs within the fusion and information sharing processes and provides considerations that should be evaluated/discussed so that these entities can work together to share information and intelligence on an ongoing basis and during the transition from a steady state to an incident. This guide serves to support implementation of the Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers and should likewise assist EOCs fill their missions in both steady state and emergency operations.  This guide is intended for public safety leaders, including emergency management and fusion center personnel, and recognizes that many jurisdictions across the country have already developed working relationships and sharing protocols and therefore does not establish any immediate requirements.  Rather, this guide suggests that future coordination efforts take the guidance into account in their planning processes.

     Please provide comments on the draft document no later than Sept. 17, 2009, via e-mail to Randy Duncan at rduncan@sedgwick.gov. All comments must be provided using the comment matrix below.

• DRAFT Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 502: Considerations for Fusion Center and Emergency Operations Center Coordination
• CPG 502 Comment Sheet (Excel)

IAEM-USA Members Asked to Comment on Usefulness of National Preparedness Scenarios (26 August 2009) IAEM has the unique opportunity to provide a mechanism for you to comment on the usefulness of the National Preparedness Scenarios (NPS). The NPS is important, because the tasks and capabilities identified from them are defined in the Target Capabilities List and other items which have a direct impact on you as a local government emergency manager.

     The Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA) mandates that the Scenarios are “to reflect the relative risk requirements presented by all hazards…in order to provide the foundation for the flexible and adaptive development of target capabilities…to meet the national preparedness goal.”

    Detailed information is provided here, including a list of questions on which DHS/FEMA desires input:

• Target Capabilities List Implementation Project Status Update
• Stakeholder Dialogue Guide
• Updating the National Planning Scenarios: Phase 1
• National Planning Scenarios Stakeholder Survey

    Please email your comments to Larry Gispert at GispertL@HillsboroughCounty.org no later than Sept. 4, 2009. Larry will represent IAEM on a conference call and funnel your comments to the National Homeland Security Consortium.

NIMS Public Works Working Group Requests IAEM-USA Member Comments on Draft Job Aids for Six NIMS Credentialed Public Works Job Titles

(19 August 2009)

     The National Incident Management System (NIMS) Public Works Working Group completed six (6) new job aids for the following NIMS Credentialed Public Works Job Titles for your review:

• Public Works Director
• Assistant Public Works Director – Logistics           
• Assistant Public Works Director – Operations
• Debris Collection Supervisor
• Debris Removal Manager
• Debris Site Supervisor

     To reference these NIMS Credentialed positions during your review of the job aids, please access: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/pw_job_title_060107.pdf.  

     Please refer to the NIMS Informational Letter and Job Aids draft document, and provide your comments by Sept. 11, 2009, to Steve Detwiler at steveorange2003@yahoo.com.

FEMA Accepting Comments on Proposed Regulation to Reduce Federal Cost Share to 25% for Restoration of Public and Eligible Private Nonprofit Facilities That Have Been Damaged Three Times by the Same Type of Event within a 10-Year Period But Have Not Undergone Appropriate Mitigation Measures Before the Third Event (11 August 2009)

     Traditionally, the federal cost share for eligible repairs to disaster-damaged facilities is no less than 75% federal funding. The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (PL 106-390) included a provision that amended Section 406 of the Stafford Act by adding a new paragraph (b)(2) (42 U.S.C. 5172 (b)(2).) That legislative language states: "The President shall promulgate regulations to reduce the Federal share of assistance under this section to not less than 25 percent in the case of the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of any eligible public facility or private nonprofit facility following an event associated with a major disaster--(A) that has been damaged, on more than one occasion within the preceding 10 year period, by the same type of event; and (B) the owner of which has failed to implement appropriate mitigation measures to address the hazard that caused the damage to the facility.   The proposed rule would implement the legislative language."

     The proposed rule in the  Federal Register notice includes background information, discussion, definition of "facility," when requirements become effective (after effective rule issued), definition of "more than one occasion," definition of "same type of event," description of how FEMA proposes to calculate the cost share reduction, and definition of "appropriate mitigation measures."

• Download Federal Register Notice of FEMA Proposed Rule - Reduction of  Federal Cost Share for Public Assistance for Repetitive Damage (August 11, 2009. Docket ID FEMA-2008-0006). Comments should be submitted no later than Oct. 13, 2009, to Docket ID FEMA-2008-0006 at www.regulations.gov. Comments may also be submitted by email to FEMA-RULES@dhs.gov, by fax to 703–4833–2999, or by mail to FEMA's Office of Chief Counsel, Room 835,500 C Street, SW,Washington, DC 20472.

FEMA Providing Opportunity to Comment on EMPG and EOC Grant Guidance to Identify Areas for Improvement for FY 2010; Comment Period August 5-12, 2009 (05 August 2009)

     FEMA is currently developing the Guidance for the Emergency Management Grant Program and the Emergency Operations Center Grant Program for FY 2010. FEMA has offered emergency managers the opportunity to comment on the FY 2009 grant guidance to identify areas for improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for emergency managers who represent local governments that receive EMPG or EOC grant funding (or are eligible to) to have their voices heard. The period for comments is short so if  you would like to participate, you must do so soon. Comment Period: August 5-12, 2009.

     How to Participate: 

• Utilize attached EMPG or EOC comment form to write your suggestions.
• Submit completed form or forms if commenting on both grant programs to askcsid@dhs.gov with the subject heading, "FY 2010 EMPG Guidance Feedback" and/or "FY 2010 EOC Guidance Feedback."

     You Should Respond if:

• The local government jurisdiction you represent is currently receiving EMPG, or is eligible to receive EMPG, under your state's guidelines, or   
• You are responsible for your local jurisdiction's primary emergency operations center.

     Please remember that you are responding on your own behalf, not on behalf of IAEM-USA.  However, IAEM-USA is very interested in your concerns and would appreciate your sharing them with us to inform our association comments. Therefore, we would appreciate it if you would send a copy of your comments to Jessica Jensen at ja.jensen@ndsu.edu.

• FY 2009 Grant Guidance for Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG)
• Comment Sheet for EMPG FY 2009
• Grant Guidance for Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs)
• Comment Sheet for EOCs  

DHS To Provide Opportunity for Emergency Managers to Help Shape Homeland Security Policies and Priorities, Including Preparing for, Responding to and Recovering from Disasters, as Part of the First Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (30 July 2009)

     Join the Web-based conversation by registering at www.homelandsecuritydialogue.org and signing up for notifications. Additional explanation of the process is available at that site as well. Each of the three dialogues will involve discussions on six topics being reviewed by DHS Study Groups:

• Counterterrorism and Domestic Security Management

• Securing Our Borders
• Smart and Tough Enforcement of Immigration Laws
• Preparing for, Responding to, and Recovering from Disasters
• Homeland Security National Risk Assessment

• Homeland Security Planning and Capabilities

     Stakeholders from around the nation will have the opportunity to comment on the initial findings of the QHSR and offer new ideas. DHS will be running three week-long online collaboration sessions, and each subsequent session will incorporate and build on the input received in the earlier sessions. The sessions are Aug. 3-9;  Aug. 31-Sept. 6  and Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2009.

• Download DHS Fact Sheet
• Obtain further information at http://www.dhs.gov/qhsr

IAEM-USA President Russ Decker Testifies Before House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management (27 July 2009) Russ Decker, CEM, IAEM-USA President, testified July 27 before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on "Post-Katrina: What it Takes to Cut the Bureaucracy and Assure a More Rapid Response After a Catastrophic Disaster." Download testimony of Russ Decker, CEM.

Other witnesses were: (links provided to their statements)

• Opening Statement Subcommittee Chair Eleanor Holmes Norton
• Statement Full Committee Chair  James L. Oberstar
• Opening Statement Ranking Member Mario Diaz-Balart
• The Honorable David Loebsack, Member of Congress
• Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Donald P. Dunbar, Adjutant General, State of Wisconsin, representing National Governors Association
• Dave Maxwell, Vice President, National Emergency Management Association
• Mitchell Moss, Professor of Urban Policy and Planning, New York University
• Jane Bullock, Principal, Bullock and Haddow LLC, and former chief of staff, FEMA
• Joe Becker, Senior Vice President, Disaster Service, American Red Cross
• Francis McCarthy, Analyst, Congressional Research Service  

FEMA Requests IAEM-USA Member Comments on CPG 704: Operational Considerations During Pandemic Events (SLR) (14 July 2009) IAEM-USA has received a request from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Preparedness Directorate to provide member feedback on its draft (Comprehensive Preparedness Guide) CPG 704: Operational Considerations During Pandemic Events.

     CPG 704 was drafted to address a very specific gap in current guidance to State and local officials by providing recommendations on how to address the operational issues raised by pandemic events. The guide offers an outline of the possible functional impact that a pandemic event may cause. In light of this impact, CPG 704 identifies planning considerations for jurisdictions to reference while planning for a pandemic event.  During a pandemic outbreak, government organizations must be able to maintain essential functions and services. CPG 704 identifies the elements of Continuity of Operations (COOP) and how a jurisdiction should take into account pandemic issues by using the COOP elements for pre-event planning. 

     While 704 does cross-reference other Federal guidance, this document does NOT nor does it intend to replace:  guidance on writing pandemic plans, instructions on setting up vaccination clinics, medical instructions, or other public-health planning. The intent of this document is to aid the state and local emergency managers/responders to understand the operational environment. 

     Please provide comments to Dan Robeson at DRobeson@jocogov.org by 1700 CDT on Friday, July 17, 2009. Please note: DHS/FEMA has advised they will accept comments ONLY utilizing the attached Microsoft Excel Comment Sheet. Due to the extremely short turn-around, comments submitted in any other fashion will not be able to be accepted.

• CPG 704: Operational Considerations During Pandemic Events
• CPG 702 Comment Sheet (Excel)

FEMA Requests IAEM-USA Member Comments on Draft Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet  on Eligible Sand Replacement on Public Beaches (01 July 2009) IAEM-USA has received a request from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Preparedness Directorate to provide member feedback on its draft Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet DAP 9580.8, “Eligible Sand Replacement on Public Beaches.”  Please provide comments to Randy Duncan, CEM, at rduncan@sedgwick.gov by 1700 CDT on Friday, July 17, 2009.

• Draft fact sheet

Appropriations Update: Results of Senate Appropriations Committee Action on FY 2010 Budget for U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (23 June 2009) On June 18, 2009. the full U.S. Senate  Appropriations Committee marked up the budget for the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security for FY 2010. Senate floor action is expected during the week of June 22, 2009.

• Memo on Senate Appropriations Action from IAEM-USA Policy Advisor Martha Braddock
• S. 1298, the bill text
• Senate  Report 111-31, accompanying the bill
• Senate Appropriations Committee Press Summary

Results of U.S. House Appropriations Committee Action on DHS Budget for FY 2010 (17 June 2009) On June 12, the Full House Appropriations Committee marked up the budget for the Department of Homeland Security for FY 2010. On June 16, the Committee reported the bill to the Floor of the House. At this time, House Floor action is expected before the July 4th recess.

• Memo on House Appropriations Action from IAEM-USA Policy Advisor Martha Braddock
• H.R. 2892  
• House Report 111-157, accompanying the bill
   

DHS Announces Allocations for FY 2009 Grant Programs (16 June 2009) Today the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security announced the allocations for a number of its Fiscal Year 2009 grant programs. FEMAs comprehensive suite of grant programs is an important part of the Administrations larger, coordinated effort to strengthen homeland security preparedness. These programs implement objectives addressed in a series of post-9/11 laws, strategy documents, plans and Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPDs). The following documents are posted for your convenience:

• DHS News Release
• FY 2009 Overview. Note: The Appendix includes allocations to the following grant programs (HSGP): Homeland Security Grant Program; Urban Areas Security Initiative, Metropolitan Medical Response System, Citizen Corps, State Homeland Security Program Tribal, UASI Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program.

• Frequently Asked Questions on Homeland Security Grant Program

• Frequently Asked Questions on Urban Areas Security Initiative Grants

• Frequently Asked Questions on the State Homeland Security Program Tribal

• Frequently Asked Questions on the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program

Appropriations Update:  The U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security Marked Up the DHS Budget for FY 2010 on June 8, 2009 (08 June 2009) The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security marked up and ordered reported their bill on the FY 2010 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security. The bill includes $42.6 billion for the Department of Homeland Security. Of this amount, $7.4 billion is for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, $390 million more than in FY 2009 and $118 million more than the President’s request. There were no amendments offered, but amendments are expected in the Full Appropriations Committee markup.

• Memo from Martha Braddock, IAEM Policy Advisor
• House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security Documents:
  • Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Summary - FY 2010 Budget
  • Disclosure List of Earmarks Included by Subcommittee
  • Opening Statement of Chairman David Price (D-NC), Subcommittee Markup of the FY 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, June 8, 2009
    

IAEM-USA Government Affairs Committee Announces Results of its Survey on the Impact of the Economic Downturn on Local Emergency Management Offices and the Role of Emergency Management Performance Grant Program Funds (02 June 2009) On Apr. 29, the IAEM-USA Government Affairs Committee asked local government emergency managers to complete a short 16-question survey to obtain information in two areas: (1) the role of Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) funds, and (2) the impact of the economic downturn on local government emergency management programs. The information was needed to respond to specific Congressional requests. A total of 348 individuals completed the survey. We appreciate those who assisted us by responding. Two summary reports of the results are posted below. Comments can be sent to Jessica Jensen at Ja.jensen@ndsu.edu or Randy Duncan at rduncan@sedgwick.gov.

• EMPG Funding Summary Report
• Economic Downturn Summary Report

U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security FY 2010 Budget Provided to Congress (12 May 2009)

• Highlights of the FY 2009 Budget Request for DHS: Memo from IAEM Policy Advisor Martha Braddock
• DHS  FY 2010 Budget-in-Brief (162 pages)
• DHS FY 2009 Budget Request (from the Budget of the U.S. Government, Budget Appendix)
• Terminations, Reductions, and Savings, Budget of the U.S. Government
• DHS Press Release on FY 2010 Budget
• DHS Congressional Justification FY 2010 (PDF: 3,493 pages)
• DHS/FEMA Budget Briefing for Associations (slides from 14 May 2009 briefing)

FEMA Requests IAEM-USA Member Comments on Draft Preparedness Guide on Incorporating Household Pets and Service Animals Considerations into Emergency Operation Plans (12 May 2009) IAEM-USA has received a request from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Preparedness Directorate to provide member feedback on its draft CPG-302, "Incorporating Household Pets and Service Animals Considerations into Emergency Operations Plans." Please provide comments on the provided Excel spreadsheet to Randy Duncan, CEM, at rduncan@sedgwick.gov by 1700 CDT on Thursday, May 28, 2009.

• Draft CPG-302
• Comment Spreadsheet (Excel)

FEMA Intergovernmental Affairs Requests IAEM-USA Member Comments on Draft Disaster Assistance Policy on Landslides and Slope Failures Related to Public Facilities (06 May 2009) IAEM-USA has received a request from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide member feedback on its Disaster Assistance Policy (DAP) 9524.2: Landslides and Slope Failures Related to Public Facilities. Please provide comments to Randy Duncan, CEM, at rduncan@sedgwick.gov no later than May 25, 2009. Download draft DAP 9524.2.

IAEM-USA urges USA Local Government Emergency Managers to Complete Survey on EMPG and Impact of Economic Downturn on Local Emergency Management to Assist with Congressional Efforts (29 Apr 2009) Working together, local emergency managers have made significant progress in educating Members of Congress on the importance of building and maintaining  strong emergency management programs at the local level, as well as increasing the funding for Emergency Management Performance Grants. To continue our progress, we have to be able to show Congress what they are getting for their EMPG money and what could be accomplished with increased funding. In addition to information on EMPG, we are seeking information on the impact of the economic turndown on local emergency management programs.
     IAEM-USA Government Affairs is asking that U.S. local government emergency managers complete a short online survey HERE.

     Survey results will be used to advocate for local emergency management funding in Congress. Please take a few minutes to ensure your opinions are included. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes. The deadline to complete the survey has been extended to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, Thursday, May 7, 2009.
     If you have any questions, please contact Martha Braddock, Randy Duncan or Dan Robeson. For technical assistance with the survey, please contact Jessica Jensen. Thanks for your participation. Download and share this invitation other USA local government emergency managers.

IAEM-USA Supports the Nomination of Craig Fugate as FEMA Administrator (19 Mar 2009)

IAEM-USA Leadership Met with White House Officials to Present Views on Presidential Study Directive 1 (18 March 2009) On Mar. 18, 2009, IAEM Past President Larry Gispert; IAEM-USA President Russ Decker, CEM; IAEM-USA Executive Director Elizabeth Armstrong, MAM, CAE; and IAEM-USA Policy Advisor Martha Braddock met with White House representatives to present views on Presidential Study Directive 1 (PSD-1). They met with PSD-1 Co-Chairs Randy Beardsworth and Dr. Michele Malvesti, and PSD-1 Study Team member Tom Eldridge. The meeting was held in the The Eisenhower Executive Office Building, formerly known as the Old Executive Office Building, which is located next to the West Wing and houses the majority of offices for White House Staff. In the photo below, they are shown with Eldridge (center), along with leaders of the National Association of State EMS Officials.

• Text of Presidential Study Directive 1
• IAEM-USA's Comments on Presidential Study Directive 1

IAEM-USA leadership met with White House Officials

on Mar. 18, 2009, to present views on PPD-1.

On Mar. 18, 2009, IAEM Past President Larry Gispert discussed emergency management issues with Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, 17th District Florida, at his office in the Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC.

IAEM-USA Announces its Congressional Priorities List for 2009 (09 Mar 2009)

Legislation Introduced  to Establish FEMA as a Cabinet Level Independent Agency (25 Feb 2009) On Feb. 25, 2009, HR 1174, the FEMA Independence Act of 2009, was introduced  by Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Original co-sponsors are the Full Committee's Ranking Member John Mica (R-FL); Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management; and  Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), the Subcommittee's Ranking Member.

• Staff Summary of HR 1174
• Statement of Chairman Oberstar at Introduction of HR 1174
• Text of HR 1174
• Committee  Press Release

Federal Emergency Management Advancement Act of 2009 Reintroduced to Restore FEMA to Independent Agency Status (25 Feb 2009) On Feb. 11, 2009, S. 421, the Federal Emergency Management Advancement Act of 2009, was reintroduced by Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK). The bill would restore FEMA to independent agency status. (Senator Inhofe and Sen. Clinton had introduced a "free FEMA" bill in the last Congress.).   

• Text of S. 421 
• Press Release and Floor Statement
• Section by Section Summary
• You Tube Video of Sen. Inhofe Introducing S. 421 (link was active when posted)

IAEM-USA Asked to Assist in FEMA Review of Target Capability Drafts (20 Feb 2009) The FEMA National Preparedness Directorate has requested that IAEM-USA review updated Target Capability drafts in four areas as well as an updated user guide. A feedback form is included below; please send comments to Randall C. Duncan, CEM by Mar. 13, 2009.

• Mass Transit Protection
• Multi-Agency Coordination System/Emergency Operations Center Management
• On-Site Incident Management
• Weapons of Mass Destruction/Hazardous Materials Rescue
• Draft User Guide
• Feedback Form (Excel)
• Master TCL Fact Sheet

Note: The current Target Capabilities List (TCL) can be downloaded here.

Feb. 12 Conference Agreement on HR 1, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (13 Feb 2009) On Febr. 12, the House and Senate Conferees reached agreement on the stimulus package. The bill text, the report language,  the Appropriations Committee summary, and IAEM highlights of the FEMA provisions are posted below. The provision for funding construction of Emergency Operations Centers was not included in the final agreement.

• Text of the Conference Report - Division A 
• Text of the Conference Report - Division B
• Joint Explanatory Statement - Division A
• Joint Explanatory Statement - Division B
• Senate Appropriations Summary of Conference
  

Highlights of FEMA provisions (page 124-126 of bill as posted)

• $210 million for competitive grants for modifying, upgrading or constructing non-Federal fire stations. No grant to exceed $15,000,000
• $150 million for Public Transportation Security Assistance and Railroad Security Assistance
• $150 million for Port Security Grants
• Provisions on Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program Account
  • Notwithstanding section 417(b) of Stafford Act, loans issued in calendar year 2008 may exceed $5 million and may be equal to not more than 50 percent of annual operating budget of the local government if local government has suffered a loss of 25% or more in tax revenue.
• $100 million for Emergency Food and Shelter Program
• General Provision creating arbitration panel.   The  President shall establish an arbitration panel under FEMA public assistance program to expedite recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita within Gulf Coast Region.  The arbitration panel shall have sufficient authority regarding the award or denial of disputed public assistance applications for covered hurricane damage under section 403, 406, or  407 of Stafford Act for a project the total amount of which is more than $500,000.
• General Provision on Hazard mitigation program .  FEMA may not prohibit or restrict use of funds designated under hazard mitigation grant program for damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita if homeowner who is an applicant for assistance began work otherwise eligible under 404 without approval in writing from the Administrator.
• General provision.  Includes a provision waiving the cost-share under section 34 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 for FY 2009 and 2010.

IAEM-USA Members Asked by FEMA to Review the Draft Disaster Assistance Policy on Debris Removal from Waterways (10 Feb 2009) The IAEM-USA Government Affairs Committee seeks IAEM-USA member input on the draft FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy 9523.5, Debris Removal from Waterways (download draft). This policy provides guidance for determining the eligibility of debris removal from commonly navigated waterways under the Public Assistance Program. Please provide comments by Mar. 6, 2009, to Randall C. Duncan, CEM.

IAEM-USA Members Asked by FEMA to Review the Draft Public Assistance Applicant Handbook (05 Feb 2009) The IAEM-USA Government Affairs Committee seeks IAEM-USA member input on the draft FEMA Public Assistance Applicant Handbook 323 (download draft).  When you submit comments, they should be specific, direct, and targeted, although there is still room for "global comments" regarding the entire approach being taken by a document. Comments should include your name, title, organization, mailing address, e-mail address, and business phone. Please provide comments by Feb. 24, 2009, to Randall C. Duncan, CEM.

FEMA 2009 Presidential Transition Binder Now Available (26 Jan 2009)The FEMA 2009 Presidential Transition Binder was prepared by FEMA during 2008 to present to the new Administration. This 238-page document includes six sections and an appendix: (1) FEMA Introduction; (2) FEMA Organization; (3) FEMA Regions; (4) Budget and Resource Management; (5) State of FEMA: People, Locations, Systems; (6) External Coordination (IAEM on p. 216) ; and Appendix. download document

FEMA's Federal Preparedness Report Submitted to Congress (26 Jan 2009) From the Executive summary: "The Federal Preparedness Report (FPR) provides a snapshot of the state of preparedness in the United States at the end of Fiscal Year 2007. This Report is the first comprehensive review of the combined preparedness efforts of Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial homeland security partners over the past five years. As directed by Section 652(a) of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA), Public Law 109-295 —the goal of this Report is to provide a review of national preparedness." download report