Chairman Carper Urges AFG Applicants to Begin Preparing Bid Specifications

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, encouraged potential applicants of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) to prepare their bid specifications now in anticipation of the upcoming grant application period. The application period is open from November 4, 2013 through December 6, 2013.

The grant, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides funding for projects designed to enhance the safety of firefighters and the public. Since its creation in 2001, AFG aims to reduce injury and prevent death by directly fulfilling firefighting and emergency response capabilities of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations.

“The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program ensures that our firefighters and emergency service operators have the tools and resources they need to protect the public and save lives,” Chairman Carper said. “The funds from this program are an investment in the safety of our nation’s first responders and the communities they serve. I urge all potential applicants to begin reviewing materials and plan their bid specifications now.”

In expectation of the upcoming application period, FEMA has released its AFG grant guidance and applications kit; applicants can find guidance at www.grants.gov, and at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program. FEMA has also offered a “Get Ready Guide,” which helps to clarify the process for potential applicants and provide additional direction, available at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/firegrants/Get_Ready_Guide.pdf.