Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Emergency Management Baseline Assessment Grant (EMBAG) | DHS 17 NPD 131 00 01

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - FY 2017 Emergency Management Baseline Assessment Grant (EMBAG)

What is the FY 2017 Emergency Management Baseline Assessment Grant (EMBAG)?

The FY 2017 Emergency Management Baseline Assessment Grant (EMBAG) is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through FEMA. It is designed to strengthen the national framework for emergency management by supporting updates and improvements to a set of ANSI-certified standards and the assessment methodology used to evaluate emergency management programs.

Which federal agency is offering this grant?

This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

What is the main purpose of EMBAG FY 2017?

The purpose is to fund work that keeps a recognized, standards-based benchmark current and usable by updating ANSI-certified emergency management standards and improving the assessment methodology used to evaluate emergency management programs at state, local, and territorial levels.

What kind of work is EMBAG intended to fund?

EMBAG is intended to fund the maintenance and improvement of (1) a set of ANSI-certified standards tied to emergency preparedness and response and (2) the assessment methodology used to evaluate emergency management programs. The goal is to ensure the standards and assessment process remain modern, credible, repeatable, and relevant.

What does it mean that the standards are ANSI-certified?

Based on the opportunity summary, the standards referenced in this grant are described as ANSI-certified, meaning they are part of a recognized standards framework. The grant focuses on updating and improving those standards to keep them aligned with evolving risks and current best practices.

Who are the standards and assessment methodology meant to serve?

The standards and assessment methodology are intended to support evaluation of emergency management programs at the state, local, and territorial levels.

Why is FEMA focusing on updating standards and assessment methodology?

The summary describes the grant as an investment in keeping a standards-based benchmark current so emergency management organizations can be assessed consistently and fairly against modern expectations, evolving risks, and current best practices.

What is the role of peer review in this program?

A central feature of the opportunity is an assessment methodology that includes a peer review process. The program emphasizes structured review involving qualified peers rather than relying only on paperwork or self-attestation.

Is accreditation part of this grant opportunity?

Yes. The assessment methodology supported by the grant is described as leading to accreditation. The end goal is an accreditation outcome resulting from a structured, peer-based assessment process.

Does the accreditation approach need to work for both large and small emergency management organizations?

Yes. The opportunity states that the methodology should be adaptable for emergency management organizations regardless of size, including large statewide agencies and smaller local or territorial programs, while maintaining rigor.

What outcomes is FEMA looking for from the updated standards and methodology?

From the information provided, FEMA is looking for standards and an accompanying assessment process that remain credible, repeatable, and relevant as a measure of capability and readiness, and that enable consistent and fair evaluation across emergency management organizations.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DHS 17 NPD 131 00 01.

What is the funding activity category and CFDA number?

The funding activity category is Information and Statistics, and the CFDA number listed is 97.131.

Who is eligible to apply for EMBAG FY 2017?

Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education.

Are institutions of higher education eligible to apply?

No. The eligibility description specifically excludes institutions of higher education.

How many awards did FEMA expect to make under this opportunity?

FEMA expected to make a single award (Expected Awards: 1), suggesting the agency likely intended to select one organization to carry out the standards and methodology update effort at a national level.

Was a maximum award amount (award ceiling) stated in the summary?

The posting shows an award ceiling of 0. In the summary context provided, this typically indicates that a specific maximum amount was not stated in the public summary and that applicants would need to consult the full notice or related guidance for detailed budget expectations and constraints.

When was the opportunity created?

The creation date listed is June 7, 2017.

What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date listed is July 7, 2017.

Is EMBAG FY 2017 best described as operational response funding?

No. Based on the description provided, EMBAG FY 2017 is best understood as funding for maintaining and improving nationally recognized emergency management standards and the associated accreditation-oriented assessment process, rather than direct operational response activities.

What is the practical value of this grant for emergency management organizations?

The practical value described is that it helps keep a recognized, standards-based benchmark current and usable so emergency management organizations can be assessed consistently and fairly, supporting continuous improvement and alignment with evolving risks and best practices.