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Department of Homeland Security Initiative [Name] 2010 Early Responder Funding for Texas Nicholas Monin May 2017
Department of Homeland Security Initiative
[Name]
Early Responder Funding forTexas
Nicholas MoninMay 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Texas...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 State Homeland Security Governance Overview...........................................................................................3
1.1.1 Texas Division of Emergency Management..........................................................................................5
1.2 Funding.........................................................................................................................................................................5
1.3 DHS State Funding Sub-Grantees....................................................................................................................29
1.3.1 Texas Homeland Security Grants Division.........................................................................................39
1.4 Procurement Information.....................................................................................................................................40
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1 TEXASThe information within this report highlights Department of Homeland Security (DHS) information specific to the state of Texas. Each section contains details specific to DHS governance, funding, and procurement, respectively. Relevant Points of Contact for Texas' DHS initiatives are provided throughout the document.
1.1 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GOVERNANCE OVERVIEW
Overview of the State of Texas’ Homeland Security Governance
Homeland Security Advisor: Stephen McCraw: Director, Texas Department of Public Safety.
Organization: The Texas Office of Homeland Security which was originally housed within the Governor’s Office was transferred to the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2009 and operates the state’s homeland security program.
Establishment: The Department of Public Safety (DPS) was established in 1935. The Texas Department of Emergency Management is also housed within the DPS. The Texas Civil Protection Act of 1951 established the Division of Defense and Disaster Relief in the governor’s Office to handle civil defense and disaster response programs. The organization was renamed the Division of Disaster Emergency Services in 1973. It was designated an operating division of the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2005. Legislation passed during the 81st session of the Texas Legislature in 2009 formally changed the name of the organization to the Texas Division of Emergency Management. 1
The mission of the Texas Department of Public Safety is to “Protect and Serve Texas.”2 Goals of the organization include:
1. Combat Crime and Terrorism2. Enhance Highway and Public Safety3. Enhance Statewide Emergency Management4. Enhance Public Safety Licensing and Regulatory Services3
The following image illustrates the organizational structure of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
1 “Overview of State Homeland Security Governance Structures,” NGA, 8/5/14, http://www.nga.org/files/live/sites/NGA/files/pdf/2014/HomelandStateGovernanceStructures.pdf 2 DPS Vision, Mission, Goals, Values and Motto, Texas Department of Public Safety, 2017, https://www.dps.texas.gov/mission.htm 3 DPS Vision, Mission, Goals, Values and Motto, Texas Department of Public Safety, 2017, https://www.dps.texas.gov/mission.htm
Source: Texas Department of Public Safety4
4 Organizational Chart, Texas Department of Public Safety, [n.d.], https://www.dps.texas.gov/orgchart/OrgChart.pdf
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1.1.1 TEXAS DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Part of the Department of Public Safety, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) coordinates state emergency management to ensure that state and local governments can respond to and recover from disasters and other emergencies.5 According to TDEM:
TDEM implements programs to increase public awareness about threats and hazards, coordinates emergency planning, provides an extensive array of specialized training for emergency responders and local officials, and administers disaster recovery and hazard mitigation programs in the State of Texas. 6
1.2 FUNDING
The following table highlights several key DHS grants. A synopsis of each grant has been provided, including references to eligible applicants and facilitators, overall grant program funding, as well as detailed state-specific information. Please note that this is by no means an exhaustive listing of available grants, but is intended to provide a representative snapshot of those types of grants that may be available. For more information about the Department of Homeland Security’s preparedness grants, please refer to the following website:https://www.fema.gov/preparedness-non-disaster-grants
An Introduction to DHS Grants—With a Focus on Texas
Grant Program Eligible Applicants
FY 2015 & FY 2016
Grant Program
Allocations
Texas’
FY 2016 Allocations
Additional Notes – Specific to Texas’ FY
2016 Grant Allocations
State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) – Embedded
“The State Administrative Agency (SAA) is
2015: $21,498,000
5 Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Public Safety, 2017, http://www.dps.texas.gov/dem/about.htm 6 Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Public Safety, 2017, http://www.dps.texas.gov/dem/about.htm
within the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
About Grant Program:
“The SHSP assists state, tribal and local preparedness activities that address high-priority preparedness gaps across all core capabilities and mission areas where a nexus to terrorism exists. SHSP supports the implementation of risk driven, capabilities-based approaches to address capability targets set in urban area, state, and regional Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (THIRAs). The capability targets are established during the THIRA process, and assessed in the State Preparedness Report (SPR) and inform planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.”7
the only entity eligible to apply to FEMA for SHSP funds. Eligible applicants include all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.”8
$402,000,0009
2016:
$402,000,00010
7 “Fiscal Year 2015 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/15/17.
6
https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2015-homeland-security-grant-program 8 “Fiscal Year 2015 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/15/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2015-homeland-security-grant-program9 “Fiscal Year 2015 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/15/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2015-homeland-security-grant-program10 “Fiscal Year 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-homeland-security-grant-program
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Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) – Embedded within the Homeland Security Grant Program
About Grant Program:
“The UASI program funds addressed the unique risk driven and capabilities-based planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs
The SAA is the only entity eligible to apply to FEMA for UASI funds.12 As of FY 2013, there were a total of 25 high-threat, high-density urban areas eligible for funding under the UASI program.13 Eligible candidates for the FY 2016 UASI program are “determined through an analysis of relative risk of terrorism faced by the 100
2015:
$587,000,00015
2016:
$580,000,00016
Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington Area
$15,302,000
Houston Area $23,693,000
12 “Fiscal Year 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-homeland-security-grant-program 13 “FY 2013 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 9/14/16.https://www.fema.gov/fy-2013-homeland-security-grant-program 15 “Fiscal Year 2015 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/15/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2015-homeland-security-grant-program 16 “Fiscal Year 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-homeland-security-grant-program
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of high-threat, high-density urban areas based on the capability targets identified during the THIRA process and associated assessment efforts; and assists them in building an enhanced and sustainable capacity to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism.”11
most populous metropolitan statistical areas in the United States, in accordance with the 9/11 Act.”14
Operation Stonegarden – Embedded within the Homeland Security Grant Program
About Grant Program:
“The OPSG program supports enhanced cooperation and coordination among Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Border Patrol (USBP), and local, tribal, territorial, state, and Federal law enforcement agencies. The OPSG Program funds investments in joint efforts to secure the United States’
“The SAA is the only entity eligible to apply to FEMA for OPSG funds. Local units of government at the county level and federally-recognized tribal governments in the states bordering Canada, southern states bordering Mexico, and states and territories with International water borders are eligible to apply for FY 2016 OPSG funds through their SAA. All applicants must have active ongoing USBP operations coordinated through a CBP
2015:
$55,000,00019
2016:
$55,000,00020
$20,100,000
11 “Fiscal Year 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-homeland-security-grant-program14 “Fiscal Year 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-homeland-security-grant-program
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borders along routes of ingress from international borders to include travel corridors in states bordering Mexico and Canada, as well as states and territories with International water borders.”17
sector office to be eligible for OPSG funding.”18
Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program
About Grant Program:
“The FY 2016 THSGP is one tool among a comprehensive set of initiatives authorized by Congress and implemented by the Administration to help strengthen the Nation against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. THSGP supports the building, sustainment and delivery of core capabilities to enable tribes to strengthen their capacity to prevent, protect against, mitigate,
Per 6 U.S.C. § 601(4), see the definition of "directly eligible tribe" detailed within the referenced source (see footnote).22
2015:
$10,000,00023
2016:
$10,000,00024
Texas did not receive funding under the THSGP.
17 “Fiscal Year 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-homeland-security-grant-program 20 “Fiscal Year 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-homeland-security-grant-program18 “Fiscal Year 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-homeland-security-grant-program19 “Fiscal Year 2015 Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/15/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2015-homeland-security-grant-program
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respond to, and recover from potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.”21
Nonprofit Security Grant Program
About Grant Program:
“The FY 2016 NSGP provides support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack and located within one of the specific FY 2016 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)-designated eligible urban areas. The program is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government
“The State Administrative Agency (SAA) is the only entity eligible to apply to FEMA for NSGP funds on behalf of eligible nonprofit organizations. Eligible nonprofit organizations are those organizations described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which have been determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security to be at high risk of terrorist attack. Eligible nonprofits must be located within one of the FY 2016 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) designated urban areas.”26
2015:
$13,000,00027
2016:
$20,000,00028
Dallas Area $300,000
Houston Area $375,000
21 “Fiscal Year 2016 Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-tribal-homeland-security-grant-program 24 “Fiscal Year 2016 Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-tribal-homeland-security-grant-program23 “Fiscal Year 2015 Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fy-2015-tribal-homeland-security-grant-program 22 “Fiscal Year 2016 Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-tribal-homeland-security-grant-program
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agencies.”25
25 “Fiscal Year 2016 Nonprofit Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-nonprofit-security-grant-program 26 “Fiscal Year 2016 Nonprofit Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-nonprofit-security-grant-program 27 “Fiscal Year 2015 Nonprofit Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2015-nonprofit-security-grant-program 28 “Fiscal Year 2016 Nonprofit Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-nonprofit-security-grant-program
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Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG)
About Grant Program:
“The purpose of the EMPG Program is to provide federal grants to states to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments in preparing for all hazards, as authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 5121 et seq.) and Section 662 of the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, as amended (6 U.S.C. § 762). Title VI of the Stafford Act authorizes FEMA to make grants for the purpose of providing a system of emergency preparedness for the protection of life and property in the United States from hazards and to vest responsibility for emergency preparedness jointly
“All 56 States and territories, as well as the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, are eligible to apply for FY 2016 EMPG Program funds. Either the SAA or the state’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is eligible to apply directly to FEMA for EMPG Program funds on behalf of each state or territory, however, only one application will be accepted from each state or territory.”30
2015:
$350,100,00031
2016:
$350,100,00032
$20,359,810
30 “Fiscal Year 2016 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-emergency-management-performance-grant-program31 “Fiscal Year 2015 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2015-emergency-management-performance-grant-program 32 “Fiscal Year 2016 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-emergency-management-performance-grant-program
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in the federal government and the states and their political subdivisions. The Federal Government, through the EMPG Program, provides necessary direction, coordination, and guidance, and provides necessary assistance, as authorized in this title, to support a comprehensive all hazards emergency preparedness system.”29
The Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)
About Program Grant:
“The FY 2015 PSGP is one of the Department’s grant programs that directly support maritime transportation infrastructure security activities. PSGP is one tool in the comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the Administration to strengthen the Nation’s critical infrastructure against risks
“Pursuant to the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, as amended (MTSA), DHS established a risk based grant program to support maritime security risk management. Funding is directed towards the implementation of Area Maritime Security Plans (AMSP) and Facility Security Plans (FSP) among port authorities, facility operators, and state and local government agencies that are required to provide port security services.
2015:
$100,000,00035
2016:
$100,000,00036
Corpus Christi Port of Corpus Christi Authority $615,000
Texas Parks & Wildlife $229,715
Freeport Port Freeport $791,588
Houston/ Galveston
City of Houston – Mayor’s Office of Public Safety & Homeland Security$433,500
Enterprise Houston $370,809
29 “Fiscal Year 2016 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-emergency-management-performance-grant-program
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associated with potential terrorist attacks. The vast majority of U.S. maritime critical infrastructure is owned and operated by state, local, and private sector maritime industry partners. PSGP funds available to these entities are intended to improve port-wide maritime security risk management; enhance maritime domain awareness; support maritime security training and exercises; and to maintain or reestablish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities. PSGP investments must address Coast Guard and Area Maritime Security Committee identified vulnerabilities in port security and support the prevention, detection, response, and/or recovery from attacks involving improvised explosive devices (IED) and other non-conventional
In administering the grant program, national, economic, energy, and strategic defense concerns based upon the most current risk assessments available were considered. Ferry systems are eligible to participate in the FY 2016 PSGP and receive funds. However, any ferry systems that participate and accept awards under the FY 2016 PSGP are not eligible for the FY 2016 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP). Likewise, any ferry systems that apply for funding under TSGP will not be considered for funding under the PSGP. By law, DHS must direct these funds to the Nation’s highest risk ports. Eligible entities within other Port Areas covered by an AMSP are also able to apply for PSGP funds.”34
Galveston Cruise Terminal/Wharves $747,562 Harris County Sherriff’s Office $2,320,558
Odfjell Terminals Inc. $664,908
Port of Texas City Security Council $768,270
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – Law Enforcement Division $21,500
Sabine-Neches River
City of Beaumont / Beaumont Police Department $728,250
City of Nederland / Nederland Fire Department $357,516
City of Port Arthur Police Department $450,000
34 “Fiscal Year 2016 Port Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-port-security-grant-program 36 “Fiscal Year 2016 Port Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-port-security-grant-program 35 “Fiscal Year 2015 Port Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2015-port-security-grant-program
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weapons.”33 GT Logistics, LLC $491,250 Jefferson County, Texas $214,326
Port of Beaumont TX $429,349
Port of Port Arthur $751,005
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – Law Enforcement Division $157,605
Victoria-Port Lavaca-Point Comfort Calhoun Port Authority $105,115
33 “Fiscal Year 2016 Port Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-port-security-grant-program
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Intercity Passenger Rail
About Grant Program:
“The IPR Program provides funds to the National Passenger Railroad Corporation (Amtrak) to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of the Amtrak rail system.”37
“The National Passenger Railroad Corporation (Amtrak) is the only entity eligible to apply for funding under the FY 2016 IPR Program.”38
2015:
$10,000,00039
2016:
$10,000,00040
Intercity Bus Security Grant Program
About Grant Program:
“The FY 2016 IBSGP provides funding to create a sustainable program for the protection of intercity bus systems and the traveling public from terrorism. The program seeks to assist operators of
“Eligible applicants under the FY 2016 IBSGP are owners and operators of fixed route intercity and charter buses that serve urban areas designated to receive Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding under the FY 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program. Charter companies must make a minimum of 50
2015:
$3,000,00043
2016:
$3,000,00044
Autobuses Ejecutivos LLC DBA Omnibus Express $13,642
Echo Tours & Charters, L.P. DBA Echo Transportation $16,905
GBJ, Inc. DBA AFC Transportation $82,001
Greyhound Lines, Inc. $254,363
37 “Fiscal Year 2016 Intercity Passenger Rail Program – Amtrak,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-intercity-passenger-rail-program-amtrak 38 “Fiscal Year 2016 Intercity Passenger Rail Program – Amtrak,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-intercity-passenger-rail-program-amtrak39 “Fiscal Year 2015 Intercity Passenger Rail – Amtrak,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2015-intercity-passenger-rail-program-amtrak 40 “Fiscal Year 2016 Intercity Passenger Rail Program – Amtrak,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-intercity-passenger-rail-program-amtrak
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fixed-route intercity and charter bus services in obtaining the resources required to support security measures such as enhanced planning, facility security upgrades and vehicle ad driver protection.”41
trips annually to one or more UASI jurisdictions to be eligible. All owner/operators that meet the basic eligibility criteria were eligible to apply. In order to be eligible to receive FY 2016 IBSGP grant funding, all operators must have completed a vulnerability assessment and developed a security plan as required by Section 1531 of the 9/11 Act (6 U.S.C. § 181).”42
Lone Star Coaches, Inc $26,243
Roadrunner Charters Inc. $7,775
Star Shuttle, Inc. dba Star Shuttle & Charter $24,440
Transit Security Grant Program
About Grant Program:
“The FY 2016 TSGP is one of the Department’s grant programs that directly support transportation infrastructure security activities. TSGP is one tool in the comprehensive set of measures
“Eligible transit agencies were determined based on daily unlinked passenger trips (ridership) and transit systems that serve historically Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI)-designated urban areas. Ferry systems are eligible to participate in the FY 2016 TSGP and receive funds. However, any
2015:
$87,000,00047
2016:
$87,000,00048
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority $550,476
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) $200,000
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County $467,636
41 “Fiscal Year 2016 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-intercity-bus-security-grant-program 42 “Fiscal Year 2016 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-intercity-bus-security-grant-program43 “Fiscal Year 2015 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2015-intercity-bus-security-grant-program 44 “Fiscal Year 2016 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-intercity-bus-security-grant-program
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authorized by Congress and implemented by the Administration to strengthen the Nation’s critical infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. TSGP provides funds to owners and operators of transit systems (which include intra-city bus, commuter bus, ferries, and all forms of passenger rail) to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.”45
ferry system that participated and accepted awards under the FY 2016 TSGP are not eligible for the FY 2016 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP). Likewise, any ferry systems that applied for funding under the PSGP are not considered for funding under the TSGP.”46
TOTAL (FY 2016) $1,617,100,000 $113,919,117
[Please note that this is the total amount of funding for FY 2016, only]
Additional DHS-FEMA grants with potential application to various states may include:
45 “Fiscal Year 2016 Transit Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-transit-security-grant-program 46 “Fiscal Year 2016 Transit Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-transit-security-grant-program 47 “Fiscal Year 2015 Transit Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2015-transit-security-grant-program 48 “Fiscal Year 2016 Transit Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-transit-security-grant-program
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Fire Management Assistance Grant Program
The Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) supports states, local governments, and tribal governments in the mitigation, management, and control of fires on public or private forests or grasslands. Eligible firefighting costs may include “expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; tools, materials, and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.”49
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
The purpose of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is to “help communities implement hazard mitigation measures following a Presidential major disaster declaration.”50 Hazard mitigation refers to “any action taken to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural hazards.”51 State, tribal, and local governments engage in hazard mitigation planning in order to identify risks associated with natural disasters and to develop “long-term strategies for protecting people and property from future hazard events.”52
Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program
The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program provides funding to states, territories, federally-recognized tribes, and local communities for “projects and planning that reduces or eliminates long-term risk of flood damage to structures insured under the NFIP [National Flood Insurance Program].”53
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program
The Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program is “designed to assist states, U.S. territories, federally-recognized tribes, and local communities in implementing a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program. The goal is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on Federal funding in future disasters.”54
Repetitive Flood Claims Grant Program
The Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC) grant program “provides funding to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that have
49 “Fire Management Assistance Grant Program,” FEMA, 10/26/15.https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grant-program 50 “Hazard Mitigation Grant Program,” FEMA, 4/27/17.https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program 51 “Hazard Mitigation Grant Program,” FEMA, 4/27/17.https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program52 “Hazard Mitigation Grant Program,” FEMA, 4/27/17.https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program53 “Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program,” FEMA, 8/30/16.https://www.fema.gov/flood-mitigation-assistance-grant-program 54 “Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program,” FEMA, 11/9/16.https://www.fema.gov/pre-disaster-mitigation-grant-program
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had one or more claim payments for flood damages.”55 The “long-term goal of the RFC grant program is to reduce or eliminate the number of reoccurring flood insurance claims, through mitigation activities that are in the best interest of the National Flood Insurance Fund (NFIF).”56
Reimbursement for Firefighting on Federal Property
This program provides reimbursement to fire departments that have responded to fires on federal property.57
Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program
The Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, as well as certain types of private nonprofit organizations, so that communities can respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.58
Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) provides funding for emergency assistance in the event of a disaster situation.59
The table above highlights several preparedness grant programs offered by the federal Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. Based on our research, it appears that the state of Texas received at least $113,919,117 in federal grant funding (for FY 2016) due to awards connected with these DHS/FEMA preparedness grants. The Texas Department of Public Safety may have also received federal funding from other grant programs.
In addition to the preparedness grants listed in the previous table, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant is another grant that can provide funding to states for the procurement of goods and services for first responders (firefighters). The following table briefly outlines this DHS grant program.
Assistance to Firefighters Grant
Grant: Assistance to Firefighters Grant
55 “Repetitive Flood Claims Grant Program Fact Sheet,” FEMA, 4/15/15.https://www.fema.gov/repetitive-flood-claims-grant-program-fact-sheet 56 “Repetitive Flood Claims Grant Program Fact Sheet,” FEMA, 4/15/15.https://www.fema.gov/repetitive-flood-claims-grant-program-fact-sheet57 “Fire Service Grants and Funding,” U.S. Fire Administration, 4/17/17.https://www.usfa.fema.gov/grants/ 58 “Public Assistance: Local, State, Tribal and Private Non-Profit,” FEMA, 4/20/17.https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit 59 “Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program,” FEMA, 6/7/16.https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/24422
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Objective: “The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire-related hazards by providing direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations, and State Fire Training Academies (SFTA). This funding is for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognize standards, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.”60
Uses and Restrictions: “Competitive grants for the AFG program are awarded to support firefighting and EMS operations and safety, vehicle acquisition, and regional projects. Specific activities funded include professional training, wellness and fitness programs, equipment, personal protective equipment, modifications to facilities for first responder safety, other equipment and supplies that support firefighting and EMS operations and safety; firefighting vehicles, and emergency vehicles. Grants also are awarded for the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) program which supports activities to protect the public from fire and fire-related hazards. Specific activities funded include general public education and awareness; code enforcement and awareness; fire and arson investigation; national, state, and regional programs and studies; and firefighter safety and research and development. Grants for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program are awarded to help fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to increase the number of frontline firefighters in their community and to enhance the capabilities of local fire departments to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the NFPA and OSHA (NFPA 1710 and/or NFPA 1720 and OSHA 1910.134). Grantees must adhere to the restrictions stated in the guidance and application kit for the program and fiscal year in which they receive the award. Furthermore, as a condition of receiving an award, grantees also must agree to adhere to the award articles of agreement that require grantees to use the funds for the purpose stated in the awarded grant applications, and to meet the special conditions specified in the articles of agreement.”61
Could Texas Qualify? Yes. Eligible applicants include fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations operating in the 50 States, Washington D.C., the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico.62
Award Data:
As reported by FEMA on September 9, 2016, approximately 36 organizations within the State of Texas claimed FY 2015 Assistance to Firefighters grants, which were awarded in 2016.63 See
60 “Assistance to Firefighters Grant,” FEMA, 11/21/16.https://www.fema.gov/assistance-firefighters-grant 61 “Assistance to Firefighters Grant,” Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, [n.d.].https://www.cfda.gov/?s=program&mode=form&tab=step1&id=c9b2b7f11fd9182b8eae9af28ffd975762 “Assistance to Firefighters Grant,” Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, [n.d.].https://www.cfda.gov/?s=program&mode=form&tab=step1&id=c9b2b7f11fd9182b8eae9af28ffd975763 “Assistance to Firefighters Grants – Award Year 2015,” FEMA, 4/28/17.https://www.fema.gov/assistance-firefighters-grants-award-year-2015
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details at:
https://www.fema.gov/assistance-firefighters-grants-award-year-2015
Current FEMA records (dated April 21, 2017 at the time this report was written) report that 91 grants have been awarded nationally, to date, for the AFG grant program (FY 2016 funds). FEMA anticipates approximately 2,500 awards through this grant program and the period of performance is listed as March 2017 through March 2018.64
As of May 2017, organizations within the State of Texas claimed eight AFG grants in Award Year 2016, totaling $1,096,632.65
Website:
http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program
There are additional grant programs that are related to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, including the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program and the Fire Prevention & Safety Grant Program.
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants
“The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities.”66
Fire Prevention & Safety Grants
“The Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards.”67
FY 2016 AFC awardees are profiled in the following table.
64 “FY 2016 AFG Notice of Funding Opportunity,” FEMA, 10/11/16https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/119095 65 “Assistance to Firefighters Grants - Award Year 2016,” FEMA, 4/21/17.https://www.fema.gov/assistance-firefighters-grants-grantee-award-year-2016 66 “Welcome to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program,” FEMA, 4/17/17.https://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program 67 “Welcome to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program,” FEMA, 4/17/17.https://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program
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Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
College Station
TXState Fire Training Academy
$500,000.00Vehicle Acquisition ($575,000)
4/14/2017
Westfield Road Volunteer Fire Department
Houston TXOperations and Safety
$17,719Equipment ($19,490)
5/12/2017
Decatur Fire Department
Decatur TXOperations and Safety
$134,762Personal Protective Equipment ($140,000)
5/12/2017
Austin Fire Department
Austin TXOperations and Safety
$52,614Equipment ($57,875)
5/12/2017
Ennis, City of Ennis TXOperations and Safety
$147,510Equipment ($154,885)
5/12/2017
Bedford Fire Department
Bedford TXOperations and Safety
$42,273Equipment ($46,500)
5/12/2017
Pampa Fire Department
Pampa TXOperations and Safety
$148,572Personal Protective Equipment ($156,000)
5/12/2017
Plano Fire Rescue Plano TXOperations and Safety
$53,182Equipment ($58,500)
5/12/2017
Source: FEMA68
Details on FY2015 awardees is included in the table below.
City Of Grand Saline Fire Department
Grand Salilne TX All volunteer $221,143.00
Equipment ($45,000) || Personal Protective Equipment ($187,200)
9/9/2016
Houston Fire Department
Houston TXAll Paid/Career
$2,956,414.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($3,399,876)
9/9/2016
Greenville Fire-Rescue
Greenville TXAll Paid/Career
$182,810.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($201,090)
9/2/2016
Hutchins Fire Rescue
Hutchins TXAll Paid/Career
$71,629.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($75,210)
9/2/2016
Riverside Volunteer Fire Department
Huntsville TX All volunteer $75,715.00 Equipment ($32,500) || Personal
9/2/2016
68 “Assistance to Firefighters Grants - Award Year 2016,” FEMA, 5/12/17.https://www.fema.gov/assistance-firefighters-grants-grantee-award-year-2016
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Protective Equipment ($47,000)
Coleman Fire Department
Coleman TX Combination $202,858.00Vehicle Acquisition ($195,000)
8/26/2016
COOPER VFD Cooper TX All volunteer $91,429.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($96,000)
8/26/2016
City of West University Place
Houston TXAll Paid/Career
$23,220.00Wellness and Fitness Programs ($24,380)
8/19/2016
Southern Oaks VFD Streetman TX All volunteer $127,204.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($133,564)
8/19/2016
Weatherford Fire Department
Weatherford TX Combination $216,364.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($238,000)
8/19/2016
City of Athens, Texas
Athens TXAll Paid/Career
$20,000.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($19,500)
8/12/2016
Bryan Fire Department
Bryan TXOperations and Safety
$21,928.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($24,120)
8/5/2016
Richmond Fire Department
Richmond TXOperations and Safety
$210,182.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($231,200)
7/29/2016
Central Community Volunteer Fire Department
Weatherford TXOperations and Safety
$108,096.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($112,000)
7/22/2016
Elm Mott Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Elm Mott TXOperations and Safety
$34,530.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($36,256)
7/22/2016
Apple Springs Volunteer Fire Dept
Apple Springs
TXOperations and Safety
$59,524.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($62,500)
7/8/2016
City of Killeen/Fire Department
Killeen TX Operations and Safety
$441,819.00 Personal Protective Equipment
7/8/2016
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($486,000)
CITY OF WEBSTER WEBSTER TXOperations and Safety
$20,000.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($21,000)
7/8/2016
Coleman Fire Department
Coleman TXOperations and Safety
$108,452.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($110,100)
7/8/2016
Duncanville Fire Department
Duncanville TXOperations and Safety
$71,858.00Wellness and Fitness Programs ($79,043)
7/8/2016
Indian Creek Volunteer Fire Department
Gainesville TXOperations and Safety
$37,977.00Equipment ($39,375)
7/8/2016
Northeast Midland County Volunteer Fire Department
Midland TXOperations and Safety
$116,728.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($126,900)
7/8/2016
Pilot Point Fire Department
Pilot Point TXOperations and Safety
$47,620.00Equipment ($50,000)
7/8/2016
Sudan Fire/EMS Sudan TXOperations and Safety
$114,520.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($120,245)
7/8/2016
Woodson Volunteer Fire Department
Woodson TXOperations and Safety
$150,554.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($156,000) || Training ($2,080)
7/8/2016
Benbrook Fire Department
Benbrook TX Combination $201,819.00Equipment ($222,000)
6/17/2016
City of Forney Fire Department
Forney TX Combination $89,591.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($98,550)
6/17/2016
City of Helotes Fire Department
Helotes TX Combination $140,000.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($147,000)
6/17/2016
DeSoto Fire Rescue DeSoto TXAll Paid/Career
$220,974.00Equipment ($242,476)
6/17/2016
Greenwood Rural Volunteer Fire Dept.
Weatherford TX Combination $91,429.00
Equipment ($36,000) || Personal Protective Equipment ($60,000)
6/17/2016
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South Polk County Volunteer Fire Department
Ace TX All volunteer $47,620.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($50,000)
6/17/2016
Wichita Falls Fire Department
Wichita Falls TXAll Paid/Career
$809,569.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($890,525)
6/17/2016
Bonham Fire Department
Bonham TXOperations and Safety
$198,150.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($208,057)
6/3/2016
Central Community Volunteer Fire Department
Weatherford TXVehicle Acquisition
$296,096.00Vehicle Acquisition ($310,000)
5/20/2016
Mineral Wells Fire Dept./MWVFD
Mineral Wells
TXVehicle Acquisition
$190,477.00Vehicle Acquisition ($200,000)
5/20/2016
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
College Station
TXState Fire Training Academy
$391,305.00
Personal Protective Equipment ($450,000)
Source: FEMA69
Organizations, agencies, or entities operating within the state of Texas are eligible to apply for these federal grant programs. Most of these grants can be used to procure goods and services for DHS end users. The Department of Homeland Security has released an Authorized Equipment List that details the types of equipment that can be procured using grant money from various federal DHS/FEMA preparedness grant programs. For example, grant money that is associated with the State Homeland Security Program may be used to procure only certain types of equipment.
Historically, the Authorized Equipment List has been set up in a hierarchical list format. Users can navigate through the list in order to find a specific type of equipment. Each equipment record includes an Authorized Equipment List (AEL) identification number, a title, a description of the item, and a list of grants that allow for the procurement of the item. There are many different types of equipment procured by homeland security agencies and entities. Though the equipment list is quite extensive, the various commodities/equipment generally fall into the following product categories:
Personal Protective Equipment Explosive Device Mitigation and Remediation Equipment CBRNE Operational and Search and Rescue Equipment
69 “Assistance to Firefighters Grants – Award Year 2015,” FEMA, 4/28/17.https://www.fema.gov/assistance-firefighters-grants-award-year-2015
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Information Technology Cyber Security Enhancement Equipment Interoperable Communications Equipment Detection Decontamination Medical Power CBRNE Reference Materials CBRNE Incident Response Vehicles Terrorism Incident Prevention Equipment Physical Security Enhancement Equipment Inspection and Screening Systems Animal and Plants CBRNE Prevention and Response Watercraft CBRNE Aviation Equipment CBRNE Logistical Support Equipment Intervention Equipment Other Authorized Equipment70
To view the complete Authorized Equipment List, please visit the following link:https://www.fema.gov/authorized-equipment-list
TRIBAL DHS FUNDING
The Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP) is the primary homeland security grant program targeted at Indian tribes in the United States. In fiscal years 2015 and 2016, this federal grant program (managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security & FEMA) had up to $10 million in funds available for distribution to qualified tribes (per year).71 72 The following segment provides information about this grant, relative to its purpose and tribe eligibility:
Purpose:
The FY 2016 THSGP is one tool among a comprehensive set of initiatives authorized by Congress and implemented by the Administration to help strengthen the Nation against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. THSGP supports the building, sustainment and delivery of core capabilities to enable tribes to strengthen their capacity to prevent,
70 “DHS Authorized Equipment List,” FEMA, 3/7/12. http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1825-25045-7138/fema_preparedness_grants_authorized_equipment_list.pdf71 “Fiscal Year 2015 Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fy-2015-tribal-homeland-security-grant-program72 “Fiscal Year 2016 Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-tribal-homeland-security-grant-program
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protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.
Eligible Applicants:
Per 6 U.S.C. § 601(4), the term “directly eligible tribe” means -
A. Any Indian tribe -i. that is located in the continental United States;
ii. that operates a law enforcement or emergency response agency with thecapacity to respond to calls for law enforcement or emergency services;
iii.I. that is located on or near an international border or a coastline
bordering an ocean (including the Gulf of Mexico) or international waters;
II. that is located within 10 miles of a system or asset included on the prioritized critical infrastructure list established under section 210E(a)(2) [of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended by Section 1001 of the 9/11 Act] or has such a system or asset within its territory;
III. that is located within or contiguous to one of the 50 most populous metropolitan statistical areas in the United States; or
IV. the jurisdiction of which includes not less than 1,000 square miles of Indian country, as that term is defined in section 1151 of title 18, United States Code; and
iv. that certifies to the Secretary that a state has not provided funds under section 2003 [UASI] or 2004 [SHSP] [of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended by Section 101 of the 9/11 Act] to the Indian tribe or consortium of Indian tribes for the purpose for which direct funding is sought; and
B. A consortium of Indian tribes, if each tribe satisfies the requirements of subparagraph (A).73
There are several federally recognized Native American Indian tribes established within the state of Texas that could be eligible to receive these grants. The following tribes are based in Texas:
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Ysleta del Sur Pueblo74
In 2016, no tribes within the state of Texas received Tribal Homeland Security Grants.75
73 “Fiscal Year 2016 Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program,” FEMA, 3/29/17.https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2016-tribal-homeland-security-grant-program74 “Region 6 Tribal Program,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 4/28/17.https://www.epa.gov/tribal/region-6-tribal-program 75 “Grant Programs Directorate Information Bulletin No. 411a,” FEMA, 11/30/16.https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/128083
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DHS STATE FUNDING SUB-GRANTEES
This section will discuss the pass through requirements, relative to federal homeland security grants. In addition, sub-grantees within the state will also be addressed.
PASS-THROUGH REQUIREMENTS
The governor of each state designates a State Administrative Agency (SAA). This SAA takes on the role of a “middleman” by working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in order to get federal DHS grant funding to the appropriate local governments and organizations within the state. Many of the DHS grants have specialized pass-through requirements. Pass-through is defined as “an obligation on the part of the SAA to make funds available to local units of government, combinations of local units, tribal governments, or other specific groups or organizations.”76 For many of the grant programs that fall within the scope of the Homeland Security Grant Program (State Homeland Security Program, Urban Area Security Initiative, Operation Stonegarden), the state must pass-through funds within 45 days of the receipt of funds. In addition to this time constraint, each SAA must pass-through at least 80% of the grant award funding associated with the State Homeland Security Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative to local units of government. This rule applies to all states, but it does not apply to the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.77
In addition to the Homeland Security Grant Program, there are other federal homeland security grant programs that exercise pass-through requirements, as well. This information varies from grant to grant, but these are just a few examples of pass-through requirements for well-known DHS grants. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program requires the SAA to pass-through 100% of grant funding to successful non-profit applicants within 45 days of receipt of the funds.78 With the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program, each state needs to obligate 100% of its total EMPG program allocation amount to the designated state-level EMA. If the SAA is also the EMA, this requirement is automatically met. If the SAA is not the EMA, then EMPG funds must be obligated to the EMA within 15 days of the grant award date.79 The Port Security Grant Program mandates that a maximum of 5% of the total award may be retained by the applicant for M&A purposes (the remaining 95% of funds is passed through to local sub-grantees).80 The same
76 “Fiscal Year 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity),” FEMA, 2016.https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/114411 77 “Fiscal Year 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity),” FEMA, 2016.https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/11441178 “Fiscal Year 2016 Non-Profit Security Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity),” FEMA, 2016.https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/114442 79 “Fiscal Year 2016 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program,” FEMA, 2016.https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/114436 80 “Fiscal Year 2016 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) (Notice of Funding Opportunity),” FEMA, 2016.
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policy goes for the Transit Security Grant Program81 and the Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program82, as well.
Some federal homeland security grant programs are awarded directly to local jurisdictions, tribal organizations, and municipalities, while others are first awarded to the state and then passed down to these local entities. For those grants that are first awarded to the state (SAA) and then passed down to local sub-grantees, there are often pass-through requirements that have been established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to ensure that the funding gets to the right place.
SUB-GRANTEES
The purpose of this section is to explore how funds within the state of Texas “trickle down” in order to get to first responders and other homeland security end users.
1.3 DHS STATE FUNDING SUB-GRANTEES The purpose of this section is to explore how funds within the state of Texas “trickle down” in order to get to first responders and other homeland security end users.
According to the Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2015-2020, Texas has three basic layers of governing jurisdictions, namely, state, regional, county and municipal. In addition, Texas has a large number of special districts such as school districts, water supply districts, road districts, college districts, public utility districts, and water supply districts.83
The Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan describes local government in Texas as follows. Of note, city mayors and county judges, as the presiding officer of municipal governments are by law the jurisdiction’s Emergency Management Director. As such, they act as the governor’s designated agent in the administration and supervision of emergency management duties in that jurisdiction. 84
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/114444 81 “Fiscal Year 2016 Transit Security Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity),” FEMA, 2016. https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/114446 82 “Fiscal Year 2016 Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity),” FEMA, 2016. https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/114448 83 “Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2015-2020,” The State of Texas, Office of the Governor, 9/15/15, https://www.preparingtexas.org/Resources/documents/Texas%20HS%20Strategic%20Plan%202015-2020.pdf 84 “Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2015-2020,” The State of Texas, Office of the Governor, 9/15/15, https://www.preparingtexas.org/Resources/documents/Texas%20HS%20Strategic%20Plan%202015-2020.pdf
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT Texas has over 1,200 incorporated municipalities; each responsible for providing essential homeland security services to citizens through city and/or volunteer capabilities or agreements with counties. There are 254 counties in Texas, the most of any state in the nation, and these counties are similarly responsible for homeland security services in unincorporated areas and, by agreement, in some incorporated municipalities. Texas law designates the presiding officer of municipal and county governments (city mayors and county judges) as the jurisdiction's Emergency Management Director and the governor's designated agent in the administration and supervision of emergency management duties for that jurisdiction. The chief elected official may designate an Emergency Management Coordinator to serve as an assistant to manage homeland security/emergency management programs.
Texas’ cities and counties vary widely in size, population, and homeland security resources. Harris County, for example, has a population of over four million, while Loving County’s population is less than 100. Brewster County is 6,193 square miles, while Rockwall County is 147 square miles. Harris County has over 11,000 active Peace Officer licensees, while several counties have fewer than 5. This variation results in dramatic differences in the local-level homeland security environment across the state. Higher-population areas generally have law enforcement and emergency management departments with a significant capacity for planning, coordinating, and directing homeland security operations and capability development efforts, along with security, fire, public health and healthcare, and special response teams capable of handling the vast majority of homeland security emergencies within their jurisdictions. Cities and counties with limited organic capacity rely on assets available through mutual aid for effective response to incidents and rely on regional support for planning and coordination of capability development efforts. 85
Texas’ local governments are organized into 24 Councils of Government (COGs), which are voluntary associations that provide a variety of services, including:
Planning for and coordinating regional implementation of the Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan;
Coordinating regional assessments of threats, hazards, and preparedness levels; Operating law enforcement training academies; Planning, coordination, and operation of regional radio systems and other communications
operability and interoperability efforts; Maintaining and improving regional 9-1-1 systems; Providing grant management services for member governments; Coordinating regional transportation planning, mapping, and prioritization; Coordinating regional disaster recovery programs; and Providing geographic information system (GIS) mapping of infrastructure and geospatial
data.86
85 “Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2015-2020,” The State of Texas, Office of the Governor, 9/15/15, https://www.preparingtexas.org/Resources/documents/Texas%20HS%20Strategic%20Plan%202015-2020.pdf 86 “Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2015-2020,” The State of Texas, Office of the Governor, 9/15/15, https://www.preparingtexas.org/Resources/documents/Texas%20HS%20Strategic%20Plan%202015-2020.pdf
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The following map shows the distribution of the 24 Councils of Government throughout Texas.
Source: Texas Association of Regional Councils87
Contact information for the 24 Texas regional Councils of Governments is provided below.
Regional Planning Commission
Counties Contact
Panhandle Regional Planning Commission
Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Collingsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer,
Executive DirectorMr. Gary PitnerP.O. Box 9257Amarillo, Texas 79105-9257(806) 372-3381Fax: (806) 373-3268Email: [email protected]
87 Regions, Texas Association of Regional Councils, [n.d.], http://www.txregionalcouncil.org/display.php?page=regions_map.php
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Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, Wheeler
Website:www.prpc.cog.tx.us
South Plains Association of Governments
ailey, Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Garza, Hale, Hockley, King, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Motley, Terry, Yoakum
Mr. Tim PierceP.O. Box 3730Lubbock, Texas 79452-3730(806) 762-8721Fax: (806) 765-9544Email: [email protected]: www.spag.org
NORTEX Regional Planning Commission
Archer, Baylor, Clay, Cottle, Foard, Hardeman, Jack, Montague, Wichita, Wilbarger, Young
Executive DirectorMr. Dennis WildeP.O. Box 5144Galaxy Center North4309 Jacksboro Hwy., Suite 200Wichita Falls, Texas 76307-5144(940) 322-5281Fax: (940) 322-6743Email: [email protected]: www.nortexrpc.org
North Central Texas Council of Governments
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, Wise
Executive DirectorMr. R. Michael EastlandP.O. Box 5888616 Six Flags Drive, Suite 200Arlington, Texas 76005-5888(817) 640-3300Fax: (817) 640-7806Email: [email protected]: www.nctcog.org
ARK-TEX Area Council of Governments
Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River, Titus Counties in TX and Miller Co., AR (Includes 626 sq. miles in Miller County, Arkansas)
Executive DirectorThe Honorable Chris BrownP.O. Box 5307Texarkana, TX 75505(903) 832-8636Fax: (903) 832-3441Email: [email protected]: www.atcog.org
East Texas Council of Governments
Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wood
Executive DirectorMr. David Cleveland3800 Stone RoadKilgore, Texas 75662-6297(903) 218-6400Fax: (903) 983-1440Email: [email protected]
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Website: www.etcog.org
West Central Texas Council of Governments
Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, Throckmorton
Executive DirectorMr. Tom Smith3702 Loop 322Abilene, Texas 79602-7300(325) 672-8544Fax: (325) 675-5214Email: [email protected]: www.wctcog.org
Rio Grande Council of Governments
Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Presidio
Executive DirectorMs. Annette Gutierrez8037 Lockheed Drive, Suite 100El Paso, TX 79925(915) 533-0998Email: [email protected]: www.riocog.org
Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission
Andrews, Borden, Crane, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Howard, Loving, Martin, Midland, Pecos, Reeves, Terrell, Upton, Ward, Winkler
Executive DirectorMs. Terri MooreP.O. Box 60660Midland, Texas 79711-0660(432) 563-1061Fax: (432) 563-1728Email: [email protected]: www.pbrpc.org
Concho Valley Area Council of Governments
Coke, Concho, Crockett, Irion, Kimble, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reagan, Schleicher, Sterling, Sutton, Tom Green
Executive DirectorMr. John Austin StokesP.O. Box 60050San Angelo, Texas 76906-0050(325) 944-9666Fax: (325) 944-9925Email: [email protected]: www.cvcog.org
Heart of Texas Council of Governments
Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, McLennan
Executive DirectorMr. Russell Devorsky1514 New South RoadWaco, Texas 76711(254) 292-1800Fax: (254) 756-0102Email: [email protected]: www.hotcog.org
Capital Area Council of Governments
Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis, Williamson
Executive DirectorMrs. Betty Voights6800 Burleson RoadBuilding 310, Suite 165Austin, Texas 78744
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(512) [email protected]
Brazos Valley Council of Governments
Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, Washington
Executive DirectorMr. Tom Wilkinson, Jr.PO Drawer 4128Bryan, Texas 77805-4128(979) 595-2800Fax: (979) 595-2810Email: [email protected]: www.bvcog.org
Deep East Texas Council of Governments
Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler
Executive DirectorThe Honorable Lonnie Hunt210 Premier Dr.Jasper, TX 75951(409) 384-5704Email: [email protected]: www.detcog.org
South East Texas Regional Planning Commission
Hardin, Jefferson, Orange Executive DirectorMr. Shaun P. Davis2210 Eastex FreewayBeaumont, Texas 77703(409) 899-8444Fax: (409) 347-0138Email: [email protected]: www.setrpc.org
Houston-Galveston Area Council
Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, Wharton
Executive DirectorMr. Jack SteeleP.O. Box 227773555 Timmons Lane, Suite 120Houston, Texas 77227-2777(713) 627-3200Fax: (713) 993-2414Email: [email protected]: www.h-gac.com
Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission
Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Victoria
Executive DirectorMr. Joe Brannan120 S. Main, Suite 210Victoria, Texas 77901(361) 578-1587 X229Fax: (361) 578-8865Email: [email protected]: www.gcrpc.org
Alamo Area Council of Governments
Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina, Wilson
Executive DirectorMs. Diane Rath8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 160San Antonio, Texas 78217-6208
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(210) 362-5200Fax: (210) 824-4576Email: [email protected]: www.aacog.com
South Texas Development Council
Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, Zapata Executive DirectorMr. Robert MendiolaPO Box 21871002 Dicky LaneLaredo, Texas 78044-2187(956) 722-3995Fax: (956) 722-2670Email: [email protected]: www.stdc.cog.tx.us
Coastal Bend Council of Governments
Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleburg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio
Executive DirectorMr. John P. BucknerP.O. Box 9909Corpus Christi, Texas 78469-9909(361) 883-5743Fax: (361) 883-5749Email: [email protected]: cbcog98.org
Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council
Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy Executive DirectorMr. Ron Garza301 W. Railroad St.Weslaco, Texas 78596(956) 682-3481Fax: (956) 631-4670Email: [email protected]: www.lrgvdc.org
Texoma Council of Governments
Cooke, Fannin, Grayson Executive DirectorSusan B. Thomas, PhD1117 Gallagher Drive, Suite 470Sherman, Texas 75090(903) 813-3512Fax: (903) 813-3511Email: [email protected]: www.texoma.cog.tx.us
Central Texas Council of Governments
Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, Mills, San Saba
Executive DirectorMr. Jim ReedP.O. Box 729Belton, Texas 76513-0729(254) 770-2200Fax: (254) 770-2260Email: [email protected]
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Website: www.ctcog.orgMiddle Rio Grande Development Council
Dimmit, Edwards, Kinney, La Salle, Maverick, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Zavala
Executive DirectorThe Honorable Nick GallegosP.O. Box 1199Carrizo Springs, TX 78834(830) 876-3533Fax: (830) 876-9415Email: [email protected]: www.mrgdc.org
Source: Texas Association of Regional Councils88
In Texas, a number of state and local organizations are involved in emergency management. These include the Governor, Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Emergency Management Council, The State Operations Center, and Disaster Districts.
The Governor The Governor is responsible for directing homeland security in the State and for developing a statewide homeland security strategy. The Governor is responsible for dealing with dangers to the State and people presented by disasters and disruptions to the State and people caused by energy emergencies.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chapter 418 of the Government Code assigns the Division specific responsibilities for carrying out a comprehensive all-hazard emergency management program for the State and assisting cities, counties and state agencies in implementing their own emergency management programs. Among the specific responsibilities of TDEM are:
1. Emergency Planning: TDEM maintains the State of Texas Emergency Management Plan and other specialized state plans. It also adopts standards for local emergency management plans, reviews those plans, and maintains a database of planning accomplishments.
2. Training: TDEM conducts an extensive emergency management-training program for local and state officials and emergency responders.
3. Public Education & Information: TDEM provides threat awareness and preparedness educational materials for the public, and also provides emergency public information during disasters.
4. Hazard Mitigation: TDEM administers a number of pre and post-disaster programs to eliminate or reduce the impact of known hazards.
5. Response: TDEM coordinates mobilization and deployment of state resources to respond to major emergencies and disasters
6. Disaster Recovery: TDEM administers disaster recovery programs for individuals and for local governments, state agencies, schools, hospitals, and other public entities.
88 Regions, Texas Association of Regional Councils, [n.d.], http://www.txregionalcouncil.org/display.php?page=regions_map.php
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The Emergency Management CouncilThe state Emergency Management Council, which is composed of 32 state agencies, the American Red Cross (ARC), and the Salvation Army (TSA), is established by state law to advise and assist the Governor in all matters relating to disaster mitigation, emergency preparedness, disaster response, and recovery.
During major emergencies, Council representatives convene at the State Operations Center (SOC) to provide advice on and assistance with response operations and coordinate the activation and deployment of state resources to respond to the emergency. Generally, state resources are deployed to assist local governments that have requested assistance because their own resources are inadequate to deal with an emergency. The Council is organized by emergency support function (ESF) -- groupings of agencies that have legal responsibility, expertise, or resources needed for a specific emergency response function.
Emergency Management Council
Adjutant General's Department (AGD) American Red Cross (ARC) * Department of Information Resources (DIR) General Land Office (GLO) State Auditor's Office (SAO) State Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) Texas AgriLife Extension Service (formerly TX Cooperative Extension Service) Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Texas Attorney General's Office (OAG) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Texas Department Assistive & Rehabilitive Services (DARS) Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Texas Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS) Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Texas Education Agency (TEA) Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Texas Forest Service (TFS) Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) Texas Office of Court Administration (Texas Supreme Court) (new member, 81st
Leg) Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS) (formerly TBPC) (CPA) Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
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The Salvation Army (TSA) *
* Note: The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are not state agencies.
The State Operations Center (SOC) The SOC is operated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and serves as the state warning point. It uses an extensive suite of communications to receive and disseminate warning of threats to regional warning points and to state and local officials; monitors emergency situations throughout the state and provides information on these events to federal state, and local officials; and coordinates state assistance to local governments that are dealing with emergencies. The SOC coordinates 3,000 to 4,000 incidents per year. As noted above, the state Emergency Management Council is convened at the SOC to carry out state response activities for major emergencies and disasters.
Disaster Districts Disaster Districts are the State’s regional emergency management organizations that serve as the initial source of state emergency assistance for local governments. A Chairman, who is the local Texas Highway Patrol commander, directs each District. Disaster District Committees, consisting of state agencies and volunteer groups that have resources within the District’s area of responsibility, assist the Disaster District Chair in identifying, mobilizing, and deploying personnel, equipment, supplies, and technical support to respond to requests for emergency assistance from local governments and state agencies. Disaster District chairs may activate and commit all state resources in their area of responsibility to aid requesters, except that activation of the National Guard or State Guard requires prior approval by the Governor.
If the resources of a Disaster District are inadequate to provide the type or quantity of assistance that has been requested, the request for assistance is forwarded to the State Operations Center for state-level action.
State resources committed to assist local governments normally work under the general direction of the Disaster District Chair and take their specific task assignments from the local Incident Commander.
Local Emergency Officials & Organizations Mayors and County Judges have responsibility for emergency preparedness and response within their jurisdictions. These officials may appoint an Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) to manage day-to-day program activities. Local emergency management and homeland security programs include threat identification and prevention activities, emergency planning, providing or arranging training for local officials and emergency responders, planning and conducting drills and exercises, carrying out public education relating to known hazards, designing and implementing hazard mitigation programs, coordinating emergency response operations during incidents and disasters, and carrying out recovery activities in the aftermath of a disaster.
Local emergency management and homeland security organizations may be organized at the city level, at the county level or as an inter-jurisdictional program that includes one or more counties and multiple cities. Local emergency management organizations may be organized as part of the Mayor or County Judge’s staff, as a separate office or agency, as part
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of the local fire department or law enforcement agency, or in other ways. Local emergency management and homeland security agencies may be identified as emergency management offices or agencies, homeland security offices or agencies, or some combination of the two.
Most local governments have an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staffed by members of its various departments that is activated to manage the response to major threats and incidents and coordinate internal and external resource support. Some local governments have an alternate or mobile EOC as well. Most local governments use the Incident Command System (ICS) as their incident management scheme. Under ICS, an Incident Commander typically directs the on-scene response by local responders from a field command post set up at or near the incident site. Responders from other jurisdictions and state and federal responders that have been called on to assist when local resources are inadequate to deal with a major emergency are integrated into the local incident command system.89
1.3.1 TEXAS HOMELAND SECURITY GRANTS DIVISION
Located under the Office of the Governor, the Homeland Security Grants Division (HSGD) “supports investments in homeland security planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises.”90 HSGD grants seek to address capability gaps identified in the State Preparedness Report. Grant funding is also used to increase security along the Texas-Mexico border and international water boundaries. 91
HGSD acts as a steward of state and federal funding and facilitates coordination between federal, state, regional, and local agencies. 92 HSGD’s efforts are described below.
Fiscal Responsibility, Accountability, and Transparency
As a steward of state and federal funds, HSGD employs sound management practices and controls to ensure that programs can be fiscally and programmatically successful.
Grants are routinely monitored through site visits, desk reviews, contact visits, and performance reviews.
Staff are also available to provide guidance and technical assistance when necessary.
Target Funding to Achieve the Greatest Impact
HSGD engages in comprehensive planning efforts at the state, regional and local levels to identify threats and hazards, vulnerabilities, and potential consequences.
Essential to success is effective risk management, including risk identification and assessment, implementation of actions to reduce risk in the most cost-effective way, and
89 State & Local Emergency Organizations, Texas Division of Emergency Management, 2017, http://www.dps.texas.gov/dem/stateLocalOrganizations.htm 90 Homeland Security Grants Division, Office of the Governor, [n.d.], http://gov.texas.gov/hsgd91 Homeland Security Grants Division, Office of the Governor, [n.d.], http://gov.texas.gov/hsgd92 Homeland Security Grants Division, Office of the Governor, [n.d.], http://gov.texas.gov/hsgd
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continuous evaluation and adjustment as some risks are mitigated and others emerge or grow.
Other factors considered when determining funding distribution include the potential impact, reasonableness, and permissibility of proposed projects.
Facilitate Coordination Among State, Regional, Local, and Federal Entities
Securing Texas requires a coordinated effort among all agencies, jurisdictions, and the private sector.
HSGD collaborates closely with each of the 24 Regional Councils of Governments (COGs) across the state and provides funding for the COGs to engage in regional and local planning efforts including threat and preparedness assessments and planning to implement the state’s homeland security strategy. These assessments are used by the COGs when making funding recommendations to HSGD and are also reviewed by the Texas Office of Homeland Security in preparing the state’s annual THIRA and SPR.
HSGD works closely with the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency to apply for and promote federal funding for preparedness and homeland security in Texas.
HSGD coordinates with local law enforcement agencies, the Department of Public Safety, the United States Customs and Border Protection, and DHS to encourage the effective use of grant funds for border security operations. 93
1.4 PROCUREMENT INFORMATIONThis section highlights Texas’ process for procuring homeland security-related goods and services. In Texas, state purchasing is managed through the state Comptroller’s office’s Statewide Procurement Division.94 Texas purchases billions of dollars’ worth of goods and services each year from vendors including minority-, women-, and service-disable veteran-owned businesses. 95 Information for vendors interested in getting started doing business with Texas is included below.
1. Learn how Texas classifies your goods and services: Review the list of purchasing class and item codes (numeric) that best represent your offerings. View class and item codes. Purchasers use these codes numbers to identify vendors in certain industries and to categorize products and services they are putting out for bid.
2. Search the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) : State and local government purchasers post bid opportunities on ESBD — the state's search engine for bid opportunities. Companies can search by government agency or class and item number to find the newest bid postings statewide.
3. Become a Texas vendor: Visit How to Receive Bids to learn how to register as a Texas Vendor on the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL), and how to become a certified historically underutilized business (HUB).
93 Homeland Security Grants Division, Office of the Governor, [n.d.], http://gov.texas.gov/hsgd 94 Purchasing, Texas Comptroller’s Office, [n.d.], https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/ 95 Vendor Information Center, Texas Comptroller’s Office, [n.d.], https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/information.php
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4. Check Qualifications: Vendors must be in good standing with the state and, if applicable, their franchise tax account status must be “active". Confirm whether your business entity is subject to the Texas franchise tax. 96
The Centralized Master Bidders List (CBML) is used by state purchasing entities to create mailing lists of vendors to receive bid opportunities based on class. Vendors are not required to be registered on the CMBL to do business with Texas. The CBML has an annual registration fee of $70.97 Registration information for the CBML can be found at:
https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/cmbl/
The Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) is the State of Texas’ database for bid opportunities. Bid opportunities can be searched by government agency or by class. 98 The ESBD can be accessed at:
http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/
96 Vendor Information Center, Texas Comptroller’s Office, [n.d.], https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/information.php 97 CMBL Frequently Asked Questions, Texas Comptroller’s Office, [n.d.], https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/cmbl/faq.php/ 98 Vendor Information Center, Texas Comptroller’s Office, [n.d.], https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/information.php
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