It looks like the results are finally in on what the homeland security funding will be for state and locals for FFY 2012 and it will be challenging. Many Christmas stockings will have a lump of coal in them for the 2012 grant cycle.
Word is that the compromise bill that was passed cut funding for state and local grants by 40%. The $1.35B authorized will be distributed based on threat, vulnerability and consequence. Worse yet for all the folks who have gotten some of the peanut butter (funding) spread their way in the past it might be possible that only the highest risk areas, read New York City, could get the majority of the funding.
Port Security grants are included in that mix of funds and are not being treated separately. This means that the once robust $400M a year grant program could be very limited in the future.
Performance management is also being forced on grant recipients. FEMA won't get all the funding to administer until they submit a plan to implement a system to measure the effectiveness of state and local grants. Be prepared to scramble to justify what you are getting and to document the difference it is making.
Lastly, the DHS Secretary has only 60 days from when the bill is signed to announce the opening of the grants.
Merry Christmas! Ho, Ho, Help me please!
