Connecticut State Commission on Fire Prevention and Control

As we continue to move to a more online registration and record-keeping system, we are providing you with directions on common areas that you need to be familiar with:  Creating an Account, Registering for a Class, Registering for a Certification Exam, and Other important functions. For a listing of each of these functions click below    

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AFG APPLICATION PERIOD EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 23, 2011!


The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announces that the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application period will be extended for one additional week. The NEW deadline for AFG applications is September 23, 2011 at 5:00 P.M. EST. The earthquake that affected so many communities in the eastern United States, as well as the continued responses related to hurricane Irene, tropical storm Lee and the active wildfires in southwestern United States have had a direct impact on organizations ability to prepare and apply for grant assistance under the AFG program. We hope this extension will provide valuable time required to complete and submit your application.

The AFG Program Help Desk is ready to assist with any questions applicants may have and can be reached by calling 1-866-274-0960 or email at firegrants@dhs.gov.

Thank you.

AFG

Assistance to Firefighters Grant

AFG APPLICATION PERIOD NOW OPEN

The AFG application period is now open. FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) provides funding for the essentials that firefighters and first responders need to be safe and effective on the job. Learn how your department or agency may be able to benefit from an AFG award, and get started on your application today!

AFG HIGHLIGHTS
Eligibility
  • Fire departments
  • Nonaffiliated EMS organizations
Paid, volunteer and combination departments and agencies serving urban, suburban or rural communities in the U.S. and its territories are all eligible to apply.

Funding Categories
  • Firefighting and EMS equipment
    • Including extended warranties and boats under 20ft (new this year)
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Fire and EMS vehicles
    • Applicants may apply for more than one vehicle (new this year)
  • Training programs
  • Wellness and fitness programs
    • Including behavioral health programs (new this year)
  • Modifications to facilities
Application Period
  • August 15, 2011 – September 9, 2011
  • All applications must be submitted by 5PM EST September 9th
Learn more about AFG and start your application online at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.
NEW: AFG WEBINARS NOW AVAILABLE!
If you weren't able to attend an AFG workshop in person, tune in to an AFG webinar, now available online to view at your convenience.

Access the AFG webinar by following these steps:
  1. Go to http://www.vid.etechohio.net
  2. Scroll down and click on the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program 2011 (FEMA Region 5 Firefighter Grant Workshop 6.16.2011) icon
  3. Select a video player to view the webinar (Silverlight, Flash or QuickTime)
  4. The presentation begins at minute 20. Move the player's progress bar to the right to advance the video
If you experience difficulty accessing the webinar, contact eTech Video NOC at 877-843-3640 or FEMA Regional Fire Program Specialist Lori Smith at 217-726-9550.
NEED HELP? TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AFG RESOURCES
We offer a variety of assistance to ensure that deserving applicants are successful:
NEW THIS YEAR: GRANT RECIPIENTS MUST REGISTER IN THE CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (CCR) SYSTEM
As of August 2010, prime recipients of Federal grants are required to register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system. As a potential grantee you are not required to register, but you may wish to do so now in case you receive an award. CCR registration will be required if you are selected for an award.

How to register:
  1. Obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
    If you already have a DUNS number, skip to #2.
  2. Once you have a DUNS number, register here: https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx.
    For more information on grantee registration in the CCR system, download the AFG Get Ready Guide or visit their website: https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/grantees.aspx
TEAM UP AND SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT AFG!
Did you know that multiple organizations serving more than one local jurisdiction can team up and submit an AFG application that will benefit the entire region? It's true—AFG supports a variety of regional projects, including providing training programs and purchasing communications and personal protective equipment. So, spread the word about AFG to your colleagues and through your professional networks! A regional project may be the right route for you.
Thank you.

 

Assistance to Firefighters Grant

LEARN HOW YOU CAN PREPARE A SUCCESSFUL AFG APPLICATION


With nearly 20,000 applications each year, and limited funds available, the level of competition for AFG awards is high. Help to ensure that your application stands out from the crowd and scores well during the evaluation process by following these tips:

#1 – KNOW THE FUNDING PRIORITIES
This year, FEMA has designated High, Medium, and Low funding priorities for every eligible activity and/or item. This makes make it easier for applicants to understand the programs FEMA is able to support. Use the priority system to increase your chances of winning an award. The more consistent your funding request is with the highest priority items, as described in the FY11 AFG Program Guidance, the greater your chances of winning an award.

#2 – COMPLY WITH STATE AND NATIONAL STANDARDS
The AFG Program is designed to help applicants meet state and national standards, such as those provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Requesting any item that does not result in state or national certification, or comply with recognized standards, may lower your application's evaluation score. For more information on and for access to these standards related to this year's funding priorities, visit www.nfpa.org/nfpaafg2011.

#3 – ENSURE YOUR REQUEST IS REASONABLE AND JUSTIFIABLE
The AFG Program is designed to meet firefighter essential needs, and to help your department meet national standards. Applicants should request only what they must have and only what they can justify. Requesting an excessively expensive brush truck, for example, or asking for what appears to be a "wish list" item is not in your best interest and will result in a lower application score. Applicants make a critical mistake by requesting equipment with excessive or unreasonable costs.

#4 - PREPARE A DETAILED AND CONCISE NARRATIVE
A surprisingly large number of applications contain poorly written narratives that do not adequately define the risks in the community, the proposed solution, the financial situation of the organization, or the cost-benefit of the project. Additionally, applicants should avoid borrowing language from vendors and manufacturers. Such boilerplate language tends to be general in nature and does not describe the local need.

The Narrative must contain a clear picture of your department and its finances, your community and its need(s), as well as the project and its cost-benefit. It should be detailed and concise. Allow enough time to write a complete narrative. This is your opportunity to convince a panel of your peers that your request should be funded—take advantage of it!

#5 – TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AFG RESOURCES
We offer a variety of assistance to ensure that deserving applicants are successful:

IMPORTANT DATES
Application Period
  • August 15, 2011 – September 9, 2011
  • All applications must be submitted no later than 5PM EST on September 9th

Learn more about AFG and start your application online at www.fema.gov/firegrants.


NEW THIS YEAR: GRANT RECIPIENTS MUST REGISTER IN THE CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (CCR) SYSTEM
As of August 2010, prime recipients of Federal grants are required to register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system. As a potential grantee you are not required to register, but you may wish to do so now in case you receive an award. CCR registration will be required if you are selected for an award.

How to register:
  1. Obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. If you already have a DUNS number, skip to #2.
  2. Once you have a DUNS number, register here: https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx.
    For more information on grantee registration in the CCR system, download the AFG Get Ready Guide or visit their website: https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/grantees.aspx

TEAM UP AND SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT AFG!
Did you know that multiple organizations serving more than one local jurisdiction can team up and submit an AFG application that will benefit the entire region? It's true—AFG supports a variety of regional projects, including providing training programs and purchasing communications and personal protective equipment. So, spread the word about AFG to your colleagues and through your professional networks! A regional project may be the right route for you.

VISIT US AT:
Fire-Rescue International
August 23-27, 2011 (Exhibits: August 26 & 27)
Georgia World Congress Center
Booth 71
Workshop: Friday, 8/26/2011, 10:30-12:00pm Room B407
Session WK109 "Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program"
http://s36.a2zinc.net/clients/iafc/fri11/Public/MainHall.aspx?ID=2514

Thank you.