Item 18 - Adopt Resolution for FY 2021 Emergency Management Performance Grant

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HSGP Appendix | February 2021 Page A-3 • Responding to an increase in the threat level under the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) or needs resulting from a National Special Security Event • Paying salaries and benefits for personnel to serve as qualified Intelligence Analysts. Per the Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act (PRICE Act), Pub. L. No. 110-412, § 2, codified in relevant part, as amended, at 6 U.S.C. § 609(a), SHSP and UASI funds may be used to hire new staff and/or contractor positions to serve as intelligence analysts to enable information/intelligence sharing capabilities, as well as support existing intelligence analysts previously covered by SHSP or UASI funding. See 6 U.S.C. § 609(a). To be hired as an intelligence analyst, staff and/or contractor personnel must meet at least one of the following criteria: o Complete training to ensure baseline proficiency in intelligence analysis and production within six months of being hired; and/or, o Previously served as an intelligence analyst for a minimum of two years either in a federal intelligence agency, the military, or state and/or local law enforcement intelligence unit. • All fusion center analytical personnel must demonstrate qualifications that meet or exceed competencies identified in the Common Competencies for state, local, and tribal intelligence analysts, which outlines the minimum categories of training needed for intelligence analysts. A certificate of completion of such training must be on file with the State Administrative Agency (SAA) and must be made available to the recipient’s respective FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer upon request. • Migrating online services to the “.gov” internet domain. All SAAs are allowed to use up to 50% of their SHSP funding, and all high-risk urban areas are allowed to use up to 50% of their UASI funding, for personnel costs per 6 U.S.C. § 609(b)(2)(A). Personnel hiring, overtime, and backfill expenses are permitted under this grant only to the extent that such expenses are for the allowable activities within the scope of the grant. Personnel expenses may include, but are not limited to training and exercise coordinators, program managers and planners, intelligence analysts, and Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (SWICs). At the request of a recipient, the FEMA Administrator (or their designee) may grant a waiver of this 50% limitation under 6 U.S.C. § 609(b)(2)(B). Requests for waivers to the personnel cap must be submitted by the authorized representative of the SAA to FEMA in writing on official letterhead, with the following information: • Documentation explaining why the cap should be waived • Conditions under which the request is being submitted • A budget and method of calculation of personnel costs both in percentages of the grant award and in total dollar amount. Please see IB 421b for additional information on the waiver request process. Organizational activities under SHSP and UASI include: Operational Overtime Costs. In support of efforts to enhance capabilities for detecting, deterring, disrupting, and preventing acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events, operational overtime costs are allowable for increased protective security measures at critical infrastructure sites or other high-risk locations and to enhance public safety during mass gatherings and high-profile events. In that regard, HSGP recipients are urged to consider using grant funding to support soft target preparedness activities. SHSP or UASI funds may be used to support select operational expenses associated with increased security measures