Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

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A header image of volunteers moving pallets of donated food, along with the title NSGP Info  

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides an annual competitive opportunity for nonprofit organizations in the form of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The NSGP provides funding for physical security enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack. The NSGP also seeks to integrate the preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

!! FEMA has released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) award that allocates $210 million from the National Security Supplemental (Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024). This award will henceforth be referred to as NSGP-NSS !!

The NSGP-NSS application period will be open from Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 until Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 at 11:59 PM.

Application Documents:
Consortium Workbook​


Note: The State of Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is your State Administrative Agency (SAA) - all correspondence regarding the NSGP award should be directed to
nsgp.mdem@maryland.gov

If your organization resides in Montgomery or Prince George's County, you must
apply for the NSGP award under the National Capital Region through the District of Columbia. Please visit the DC NSGP homepage for more information: https://hsema.dc.gov/nsgp


!! NSGP-NSS HOW TO APPLY !!


FEMA has released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) award that allocates $210 million from the National Security Supplemental (Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024). This award will henceforth be referred to as NSGP-NSS.
        

Changes from previous years that should be noted:

  • Nonprofits may now apply for up to $200,000 in funding per physical site, up to three sites per organization
  • Consortiums may apply 
    (A consortium application is an opportunity for an eligible nonprofit organization to act as a lead and apply for funding on behalf of itself and any number of other participating NSGP-NSS eligible nonprofit organizations. All nonprofit organizations in the consortium application must be compliant with the NSGP-NSS eligibility requirements. Nonprofit organizations may not apply both individually and as part of a consortium. The lead nonprofit organization and its partners must be the intended beneficiaries of the requested funding. The lead nonprofit organization shall not distribute grant-funded assets or provide grant-funded contractual services to non-compliant partner nonprofit organizations or other ineligible organizations.)

    • ​Please note, if any organization demonstrates ineligibility or makes unallowable requests, the entire consortium application will be graded as such.
  • Nonprofits who can demonstrate a greater vulnerability due the Israel-Hamas war will receive a 4x point multiplier on their scores.

HOW TO APPLY

​​To apply, you will need to submit the following in pdf format to nsgp.mdem@maryland.gov:

1. An investment justification (download above) - this form must be downloaded and opened from your computer, you will not be able to open it in a browser
2. A vulnerability assessment conducted at the site of your facility being applied for within the last two years
3. Your organization's mission statement on letterhead
4. For consortium subapplicants only: the NSGP-NSS Consortium Workbook (download above)

​​All documents must be delivered to MDEM as PDFs. Each organization should send ONLY ONE EMAIL with a complete application packet attached.

The Investment Justification (IJ) is the principal application document. The projects requested in the IJ must be supported by the organization’s Mission Statement and the location's Vulnerability/Risk Assessment. The space allotted on the IJ is all that is allowed to be used. Please make sure your answers fit w​ithin the space provided, as addendums WILL NOT be considered.

NOTE: The Investment Justification file cannot be viewed in a browser due to FEMA's security restrictions. Please download it and open it outside of your browser, from your computer's file library or desktop.

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
As of April 4, 2022, the federal government requires all recipients and subrecipients of federal funding to use a Unique Federal Identifier (UEI) to identify their organization. The UEI must be acquired through the SAM.gov website and is free of charge.

For FY2024 NSGP applicants, if you have a UEI, enter it in the FY2024 application template where it is indicated. If you do not yet have a UEI, you may leave that field in the application template blank, and your application will be accepted. However, continue your efforts to get a UEI, as MDEM must have a UEI for all successful applicants in order to issue sub-grants in the coming months. Please refer to the UEI instructions in the FY2024 NSGP NOFO.

Below is a link to a helpful guide from SAM.gov explaining how to acquire a UEI.
NSGP applicants do not need to register their UEIs (that is a much more complicated process).

The video explains the difference and shows the simplified process for simply getting a UEI issued: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uv1YNAsINk 

REMINDER: Do not submit applications to FEMA or grants.gov. The State of Maryland Department of Emergency Management is your State Authorized Agency (SAA) and is responible for the submission of all materials to FEMA. Attempts to contact FEMA or grants.gov about your applications will go unanswered, and applications sent to them by entities other than the SAA will not be considered.

About Pr​oject Funding Types


The Nonprofit Security Grant Program offers two funding opportunities for projects: Urban Area and State (non-urban areas). The map and list below categories the Maryland jurisdictions into these two categories:
                                    

A map depicting the State Area, Baltimore Urban Area, and National Capital Urban Area.                                       

State Area Funding                                    

Allegany County                                    

Calvert County                                    

Caroline County                                    

Cecil County                                    

Charles County                                    

Dorchester County                                    

Frederick County                                    

Garrett County                                    

Kent County                                    

Queen Anne's County                                    

Saint Mary's County                                    

Somerset County                                    

Talbot County                                    

Washington County                                    

Wicomico County                                    

Worcester County                                    


Baltimore Urban Area Funding                                    

Anne Arundel County                                    

Baltimore County*                                    

Carroll County*                                    

City of Annapolis                                    

City of Baltimore                                    

Harford County*                                    

Howard County*                                    


National Capital Region Urban Area Funding                                    

Montgomery County                                    

Prince George’s County                            



About NPS & NIM​S

About NPS

The National Preparedness System (NPS) consists of six parts:
  • Identifying and Assessing Risk
  • Estimating Capability Requirements
  • Building and Sustaining Capabilities
  • National Incident Management System
  • Planning to Deliver Capabilities
  • Validating Capabilities
  • Reviewing and Updating

About NIMS

The  National Incident Management System (NIMS) guides all organizations to work together to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from incidents. 

Organizations applying for a grant under the NSGP are encouraged to adopt NIMS as it applies to their organization. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is recommending the following virtual courses from the Emergency Management Institute be completed as part of the of adopting NIMS:
 

  • IS-800.b National Response Framework, An Introduction
  • IS-700.a National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
  • IS-100.b - (ICS 100) Introduction to Incident Command System​

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Like many large grant programs, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program often generates questions about both what it is and how to engage with it. We've compiled some of the most common below!                                 

If you can't find your question here, please feel free to contact us at nsgp.mdem@maryland.gov for additional assistance.            

      
General NSGP Information Questions

What is the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)?                                       

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) is a grant program offered by the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency focused on enhancing the ability of nonprofit organizations to prevent, protect against, prepare for, and respond to terrorist or other extremist attacks.                                        

Why should I apply for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)?

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides up to $150,000 in funding towards meeting an organization's physical security needs.                                       

What types of organizations are eligible for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)?

Described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such code. This includes entities designated as “private” (e.g., private institutions of higher learning), as private colleges and universities can also be designated as 501c3 entities.                                       

Where can I go to obtain more information on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)?More information can be found on FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program website.

 Notice ​of Funding Opportunity Questions

When does FEMA release the Notice of Funding Opportunity?                                     

FEMA is under no set schedule to release the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Organizations interested in applying under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program are encouraged to monitor the FEMA NSGP website.                                      

 Application Questions

Why does the Maryland Department of Emergency Management’s (MDEM) application deadline differ from the application deadline in the Notice of Funding Opportunity?            The difference between the two application deadline dates provides MDEM the time required to screen and score the applications.                                      

  

Why does the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) require so many additional application documents?                                        

The additional application documents provide MDEM with information necessary to effectively screen, adjudicate, and score the application as well as provide information for overall program management.                                        


W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
  

Does an organization need to submit a W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification?                                        

All organizations regardless of whether a previous grant subrecipient must complete and submit a W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. This will ensure MDEM has the correct information on file.                                        


Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
Does an organization have to have an Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) prior to submitting an application?
          

An organization does not have to have a Unique Entity Identifier prior to submitting an application, however; an organization does have to have a UEI prior to receiving an award.                                        


How does an organization obtain a Unique Entity Identifier?                                        

Organizations must obtain their Unique Entity Identifier through the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Additional information is available in the NSGP Notice of Funding Opportunity.                                        


Subrecipient Agreements

Is an organization authorized to make any changes to the terms and conditions of the subrecipient agreement?                                        

No, the subrecipient agreement must be executed as-is. If the organization does not accept the agreement, the subaward will be forfeit.                                        


Authorized Organizational Representative
  

How is the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) different from the Project Manager?                                        

The Authorized Organizational Representative and project manager may be one-in-the-same, however; best practices demonstrate that these should be two different individuals from the organization.                                        


Can a consultant perform the role of the Authorized Organizational Representative?                                        

No, the Authorized Organizational Representative must be someone from within the organization.                                        

                                         

What happens if an organization’s authorized organizational representative changes during the grant’s period of performance?                                        

The organization should immediately notify MDEM using MDEM Form NSGP-301 - Authorized Organizational Representative form. It is critical for effective communication between MDEM and the organization that the authorized organizational representative contact information be kept up-to-date.                                        


Subrecipient Grant Award Briefing  

Is the Subrecipient Grant Award Briefing mandatory?                                        

Yes, the Subrecipient Grant Award Briefing is mandatory for all grant subrecipients including those with a funding hold.                                        


How many Subrecipient Grant Award Briefings will be held?                                        

MDEM will present two subrecipient grant award briefings: one daytime and one evening.                                        

Will the Subrecipient Grant Award Briefing recording be available for later review?

Yes, a link to the briefing recording will be posted to the MDEM NSGP website. The briefing recording will also be available on MDEM’s YouTube channel.                                        


Will the Subrecipient Grant Award Briefing presentation be available for later review?                                         

Yes, the presentation will be posted to the MDEM NSGP website.                                        


Will all questions and answers be provided to all briefing registrants and organizations?                                        

Yes, all questions and answers will be sent to the registered attendees and authorized organizational representatives.                                        


What happens if an organization fails to attend the mandatory grant award briefing? Organizations that fail to attend the grant award briefing may be identified as noncompliant.       

                                      

 Subrecipient Grant Administration Questions

How will we know if our organization’s project has a funding hold?                                       

If an organization’s project has a funding hold, a notification will be sent from MDEM to the authorized organizational representative.                                       


Will we have a specific person assigned to our grant?                                       

Subrecipient’s grants will be administered by a Grant Administrator from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. All correspondence should be sent via email to nsgp.mdem@maryland.gov.                                       

What is the period of performance for the Fiscal Year 2023 grant?

The Fiscal Year 2023 awards have a period of performance of September 1, 2023 through March 31, 2026.                                       


What's the timeframe for utilization of this grant?                                       

September 1, 2023 through March 31, 2026                                       


How often are organizations required to submit quarterly status reports and in what format?

Organizations are required to submit a quarterly status report each quarter using the Quarterly Status Report, MDEM Form NSGP-200 - Quarterly Status Report, regardless of whether or not any progress has been irsmade.                                       

When is an organization’s first quarterly status report due?

An organization’s first quarterly status report is due January 15, 2024.                                       


If there is a change of scope between award and implementation, what documentation is required?

A Change of Scope form is required, MDEM Form NSGP-300 - Change of Scope Request; an updated Vulnerability/Risk Assessment, and a revised Environmental and Historic Screening form is also required.                                       


If the scope of the project changes from the original scope based on a new security assessment, do we need to fill any additional paperwork for changing the scope?                                        

Yes, a Change of Scope form, MDEM Form NSGP-300 - Change of Scope Request and updated vulnerability assessment (if applicable).                                       


How do we request a variance? If we find a lower estimate for a designated project can we request to use the balance in another area as long as it fits the scope of the grant?                                       

Yes, as long as the completed project conforms to the scope approved by the grant.                                       


If an extension is requested, how much additional time to complete the project is provided?                                       

Most extensions are only for 30 additional days.                                       


When are monitoring visits conducted?

Monitoring visits can be conducted any time during or after the period of performance; however, MDEM is obligated to conduct visits once in every 24 month period.                                       


Are monitoring visits in-person or virtual?                                       

Due to the nature of the monitoring visits, most visits are in-person.                                       


What does a monitoring visit entail?                                       

A monitoring visit generally includes a comprehensive review of the physical conditions and administrative management of the project. Photos are normally taken of equipment installations. A financial review of the organization’s financial documentation is also conducted.  All relevant information associated with the application, award, and execution of the grant must be available for inspection and review during this visit.                                       


How much advance notice is provided prior to a monitoring visit?                                       

Typically, MDEM provides 30 days notice of the intent to perform a monitoring visit. The monitoring visit will be held during normal business hours when convenient for both MDEM and the organization.                                       


                                       

Subrecipient Environmental & Historic Preservation Questions

Where can I find instructions for completing the Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) screening form?                                        

The instructions on how to fill out the Environmental and Historic Preservation screening form are included in the document. FEMA provides additional information at https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/environmental-historic.                                      

  

Are Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) screening required for all projects?                                        

Yes, with the exception of contracted security services; project management and administration; and specific instances of planning, classroom-based training,  exercises, and purchase of mobile and portable equipment as detailed in FEMA Policy #108-023-1. (See FEMA Policy #108-023-1: Grant Programs Directorate Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation for guidance                              
          

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd-ehp-policy-guidance.pdf           

What is the deadline for submitting the Environmental and Historic Preservation Screening form?

There is no specific deadline for submitting the completed Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) screening form; however, no work can start until an EHP is approved. You should submit your EHP as soon as possible.                                      
  


Are there authorized consultants that can assist with the development of the Environmental and Historic Preservation Screening analysis?

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management does not recommend nor maintain a list of authorized consultants qualified to develop the Environmental and Historic Preservation Screen analysis.                              
             

How long does the Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) screening review normally take, particularly the respective reviews by MDEM and FEMA?                                        

FEMA has 30 calendar days to complete the Environmental and Historic Preservation Screening review. If FEMA requests more information from the subrecipient to complete their review, this delay resets the review period back to 30 days. The length of time for the EHP review will vary from project to project since each EHP is specific to the facility and project. The greater the complexity of the project, the longer it is anticipated for the review to take.  Organizations can try to reduce the review time by providing a thorough detailed EHP.        

  

Does the Environmental and Historic Preservation Screening form need to be completed for each phase of the project work? 

An Environmental and Historic Preservation Screening form must be submitted and approved prior to the initiation of any work. If you have multiple projects, you can include them on one Environmental and Historic Preservation Screening form.                                        


                                        

Subrecipient Procurement & Purchasing Questions

Is it possible to use some of the project funds to hire a project manager in addition to a general contractor, if necessary?                                         

No, unless your organization requested management and administration at the time of the grant application and was subsequently approved by FEMA.                                        


We have three facility hardening projects proposed. Can funds be reallocated from one project to another?                                        

Yes, funds can be reallocated from one project to another as long as the approved project scope does not change and the project is in the same location.                                        


If pricing for projects changes (increases) from the time the application was submitted, how will that be addressed?                                        

Depending on priority, some projects may have to be eliminated or downsized.                                        


Is there a recommended list of vendors/contractors for performing security upgrades?

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management does not maintain a list of qualified vendors and/or contractors who perform security upgrades.                                        


Do organizations need to obtain three bids for management and administration Services?                                        

No; however, an organization can only use management and administration funds if they were included in the organization’s grant application and approved by FEMA.                                          


Can an organization request the ability to use a portion of their award for management and administration?

Yes; however, an organization would need to submit a change of scope request which requires both MDEM And FEMA approval before the project could proceed.                                        


Does an organization need to submit evidence of multiple bids for small purchase options, and if so, what exactly do we need to submit?

No, an organization does not need to submit the bid documents to MDEM regarding procurement; however, the organization will need to keep all procurement documents for a period of at least three years from the project closeout.                                        


Is it necessary to obtain multiple bids for micro-purchases?                                        

If the total cost of the purchase is less than $50,000, then no. If the total purchase price is greater than $50,000, then yes.                                        


Are organizations required to conform to competitive bidding practices for micro-purchases?                                        

The Code of Federal Regulations, 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed, detail the allowable procurement methods and their thresholds. The current threshold for micro-purchases identified in the Fiscal Year 2023 Preparedness Grants Manual is $10,000.                              

Is it necessary to obtain multiple bids for small purchases?                                        

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has established an upper limit of $50,000 for micro-purchases, after which the small purchase requirements are enforced.                                        


Are organizations required to conform to competitive bidding practices for small purchases?

The Code of Federal Regulations, 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed, detail the allowable procurement methods and their thresholds. MDEM recommends that organizations obtain three bids for small purchases.                                        


What are "Management and Administration" costs?                                        

Management and Administrative costs are for activities directly related to the management and administration of the award, such as financial management, reporting, and program and financial monitoring.                                        


Does MDEM maintain a list of vendors and/or contractors who abide by the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) in Maryland, or provide guidance on how to find them?                                        

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management does not maintain a list of vendors and/or contractors who abide by Build America, Buy America in Maryland. You will have to work with the contractor regarding the requirement.                                        


Where can we obtain more information about the Build America, Buy American Act (BABAA)?

https://www.fema.gov/grants/policy-guidance/buy-america                                        

https://www.fema.gov/grants/policy-guidance/buy-america/programs-definitions                                        


Does the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) apply to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) since they are under the $250,000 threshold?                                        

Organizations are encouraged to follow the “letter of the law” for the NSGP grants.                                        

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_babaa-public-interest-small-projects.pdf                                        


Telecommunications Purchasing Restrictions  

Purchasing is prohibited from which companies and their subsidiaries?                                        

Purchasing is prohibited from Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, Dahua Technology Company, and any of their  subsidiaries or affiliates.  Refer to the 2 Code of Federal Regulations § 200.216 Prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment, 2 CFR 200.216.                                         

Subrec​ipient Reim​bursement & Closeout Questions


Is advance reimbursement available under the provisions of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program? 
                                     

No, advancement of funds is not allowed. The grant operates solely on a reimbursement basis.                                     

When will an organization receive the actual funds?

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is administered on a reimbursement basis.  Organizations are required to submit requests for reimbursement as funds are expended.                                     


Is reimbursement via electronic transfer of funds possible for the NSGP?                                     

Organizations that prefer to receive reimbursements via electronic transfer of funds must register with the Comptroller of Maryland, General Accounting Division. For more information refer to https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/divisions/gad/eft-program.php. Organizations desiring electronic transfer of funds are responsible for establishing and maintaining their registration.                                     


How would an organization be notified that an electronic transfer of funds occurred?                                     

Organizations setup for electronic transfer of funds should consult with their individual financial institution to determine the messaging provided for incoming electronic transfer of funds.                                     


If an organization requests reimbursement now for non-installation services, will it processed now or after the first quarter of year?                                     

Reimbursements can be requested at any time as long as you have an invoice and proof of payment and the request aligns with the project scope.  You are not required to submit reimbursements quarterly.                                     


Are partial reimbursements available as phases of projects are completed?                                     

Organizations are encouraged to submit reimbursement requests for expenses which have complete documentation (invoice and acceptable proof of payment).                                     


What is considered acceptable proof of payment?                                     

Acceptable proof of payment includes a combination of canceled checks (front and back), payment details, or transaction details.
                                     

What is the period of performance and liquidation period for the Fiscal Year 2023 grants?                                     

The period of performance for Fiscal Year 2023 grant is from September 1, 2023 to March 31, 2026.  The 30-day liquidation period ends April 30, 2026.  All work should be completed by March 31, 2026.                                     


If an organization’s Fiscal Year 2023 project is completed before the end of the period of performance, March 31, 2026, are quarterly status reports still required?                                     

No, but organizations are required to fill out a close out report.                                     

      

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