AFG Applications are due by March 8, 2024 at 5pm ET. If you’re trying to get it in under the wire, here are some of the important changes you’ll need to know!  For a printable PDF version the info below, click here.  For the full explanation of AFG Program changes directly from FEMA, click here.

AFG Program Updates

Overall Eligibility Requirement Changes

  • Recognition by the National Fire Training Academy is now an eligibility requirement for a State Fire Training Academy.
  • Reimbursement for fees associated with hiring grants management services is now capped at $1,500.
  • Micro Grants cumulative funding threshold was raised from $50,000 to $75,000.
  • Items must be requested using correct dropdown selections in the application and bundled items must have details regarding type, cost, and quantity of all items in the bundle to be considered for funding.
  • NOFO and application text updated from ‘Obtain equipment to achieve minimum operational and deployment standards for existing missions’ to ‘Obtain equipment needed but not currently owned or replace equipment that is broken and/or damaged beyond repair to achieve minimum operational and deployment standards for existing missions’ to clarify priorities.

Priority Changes

The following items remain as High Priority:

  • Appliance(s)/Nozzle(s)
  • Basic Hand Tools (Structural/Wildland)  Hose (Attack/Supply)
  • Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Monitoring Equipment  IDLH Protection for Investigators (This is single-use respiratory protection)
  • PPE Washer/Extractor/Dryer (Turnout)  RIT Pack/Cylinder
  • Thermal Imaging Camera (Must be NFPA 1801 compliant)  Portable Radios (must be P-25 compliant)
  • Vehicle Mounted Exhaust Systems  Skid Unit
  • Air Compressor/Fill Station/Cascade (fixed or mobile) is High Priority for Regional Fire Department applicants and Medium Priority for Fire Department applicants.

Other equipment items were moved to Medium Priority.

Item Eligibility Changes

  • Phones (telephone/satellite/cell), carrier plans and vehicle mounted fans were added as ineligible items.
  • Computing devices necessary to operate the awarded equipment were added as eligible.
  • Replacement of damaged/unsafe/unrepairable PPE (including SCBA), regardless of age, is now allowable.
  • PPE Activity section updated to encourage award recipients to seek acquisition of PFAS-free gear when possible.
  • Whole-body MRI was added to ineligible activities.

Other Considerations for Pre-Scoring

  • Equipment that has a direct effect on firefighters’ health & safety  Age of equipment considered for replacement
  • Equipment that operationally benefits other jurisdictions
  • Equipment that brings the department into compliance with national recommended standard (NFPA)

AFG Prioritization Guide

High Priority Items (FIRE Only)

Basic Equipment

  • Appliances/Nozzles
  • Basic Hand Tools (Structural/Wildland)
  • Hose (Attack/Supply)
  • IDLH Monitoring Equipment & Protection for Investigators
  • PPE Washer/Extractor/Dryer (Turnout)
  • RIT Pack/Cylinder
  • Thermal Imaging Camera (NFPA 1801 compliant)
  • Vehicle Mounted Exhaust Systems

Communications

  • Portable Radios (P-25 compliant)

EMS Equipment

  • Airway Equipment (Non-Disposable)
  • AEDs – BLS Level
  • Automatic Chest Compression Device
  • EMS Training Aids
  • Monitor/Defibrillator
  • Power Lift Cot and/or Power Lift System
  • Pulse Oximeters
  • Responder Rehab Equipment

Specialized

  • Skid Unit

Medium Priority Items (FIRE Only)

Basic Equipment

  • Air Compressor/Fill Station/Cascade System
  • Electric/Gas-Powered Saws/Tools
  • Fit Tester
  • Foam Eductors
  • Ladders
  • Personal Accountability Systems
  • Respirator Decontamination System (SCBA)
  • Props & Simulators
  • Generator – Portable
  • Tech Rescue (Ropes, Harnesses, Carabiners, Pulleys, etc.)
  • Computers used in support of training
  • Mobile Computing devices to be used on scene (Tablets)

Communications

  • Base Station
  • Headsets & Pagers
  • Mobile Radios & Repeaters
  • Mobile Data Terminal
  • Software to enable Radio over IP (ROIP)

Extrication

  • Cutter/Spreader & Vehicle Extrication Equipment

Hazardous Materials

  • Basic HazMat Response Equipment
  • Decon, Clean-Up, Containment & Packaging Equipment
  • Sampling Devices (HazMat)

Specialized

  • Air Quality Device
  • Boats & Marine Equipment
  • Mobile Generator
  • Portable Pump

Low Priority Items (FIRE Only)

Basic Equipment

  • Software & Learning Management System supporting training
  • Portable Lift System

Other

  • CBRNE-related Equipment & Non-Disposable Biological Detection

Ineligible Items (FIRE Only)

Construction of facilities, buildings, towers, sheds, etc. to house communications; All fixed non-mobile repeaters or fixed site amplifiers; Sirens or other outdoor warning devices; Signage of any kind; Phones & carrier plans; Personal Safety/Rescue Bailout System (PPE); CAD systems/software; GIS dispatch consoles, workstations, and office furniture; Vehicle mounted fans, UTVs & ATVs; UAVs and Drones; Bomb disposal equipment & robots; Mobile radios for personal vehicles; Supplies, expendables, or common one-time use items; Flashover or other simulators/props that don’t meet NFPA 1402 or 1403; Subscriptions, memberships, equipment rental or lease to purchase; Refurbished equipment

Eligible Equipment Activities (FIRE Only)

Shipping, taxes, assembly, and installation of requested equipment; Extended warranties and service agreements with initial acquisition; Minor interior alterations to support awarded Equipment activities; Equipment for response to incidents involving CBRNE/WMD; Training specific to requested equipment; Requested support activities for equipment requiring supplies, expendables, or “one-time” use items essential for award’s scope of work; Subscriptions necessary for operation of awarded equipment concurrent within POP, Computing device if essential to operation of funded equipment