If your department or agency needs new public safety apparel and accessories for preparedness activities, then grant funding may be available. Part of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) mission is to help local, state and tribal governments respond to large-scale environmental incidents and terrorist attacks. This includes making sure they have the right equipment. More than $1 billion in grant funding is allocated annually to the Homeland Security Grant Program run by FEMA. This money can be used on approved personal protective equipment (PPE) and training for first responders.
The Homeland Security Grant Program consists of three smaller programs that fund preparedness activities (additional DHS grant programs can be found here):
State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP)
FY 2017 Funding: $402,000,000
This program supports various activities that address an agency’s responsiveness to terrorism threats. A Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and State Preparedness Report (SPR) are conducted during the application process which identifies capability targets and potential preparedness gaps. Funding may be allocated based on the results. All U.S. states and territories are eligible to apply for SHSP funds.
Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI)
FY 2017 Funding: $580,000,000
Urban areas that are considered both high-density and high-threat have unique preparedness needs. The UASI program provides funding to address those needs as identified in the THIRA. An annual analysis is conducted of the 100 most populous metropolitan areas in the U.S. to determine grant eligibility and funding is allocated based on the results.
Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)
FY 2017 Funding: $55,000,000
OPSG funds are provided to an approved State Administrative Agency (SAA) to help coordinate customs and border operations between various law enforcement agencies. This primarily involves securing U.S. border entryways in states that border Canada, Mexico or international waters.
All Blauer public safety apparel found on this page is considered PPE and is thus grant-eligible. We offer station shirts, uniform pants, hi-vis outerwear, rainwear, public safety vests and other gear that meets ANSI, NFPA or ASTM standards for design and performance. A generic listing of what apparel and equipment are allowable for grant funding can be found on FEMA’s Authorized Equipment List.