FY2020 Securing the Cities (STC) Program | CWD STC 20 004

Opportunity Information: Apply for CWD STC 20 004

The FY2020 Securing the Cities (STC) Program grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: CWD STC 20 004) is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cooperative agreement designed to strengthen the nations ability to detect and stop terrorist attacks or other major incidents that could involve nuclear or radiological materials. The program is aimed at high-risk urban areas where the consequences of a radiological or nuclear (R/N) event would be especially severe. In practical terms, the STC Program helps local and regional partners build lasting detection capabilities that fit into a broader, national architecture for radiological and nuclear detection.

The core purpose of STC is capability-building, meaning the focus is not just on buying equipment but on creating a functioning, sustainable detection program made up of trained personnel, appropriate tools, and clear procedures for how detection and response should work. DHS support under this program can include help with program design and integration, guidance for developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) and standard operating procedures, and the provision of R/N detection equipment. The opportunity also emphasizes training and exercises so that detection activities become part of routine, day-to-day operations rather than something that only happens during special events. The end state DHS is looking for is a network of partners who can competently operate R/N detection equipment and follow established protocols to detect, verify, communicate, and support an effective response to potential radiological or nuclear threats.

This specific FY2020 opportunity concentrates on Phase I of the STC Programs four-phase approach. Phase I is labeled Engagement and is expected to last up to one year. During this phase, recipients are expected to stand up the foundational elements needed for a successful long-term program, including establishing a dedicated program office and putting a governance structure in place. In other words, Phase I is about organizing the people, decision-making processes, roles, responsibilities, and coordinating mechanisms that will guide the program as it matures in later phases. The emphasis at this stage is on building the management and coordination framework that makes later investments in equipment, training, and operations effective and sustainable.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is a discretionary grant using a cooperative agreement instrument, which generally indicates a more active federal role in guiding or supporting implementation compared to a standard grant. It is listed under the Disaster Prevention and Relief activity category and is associated with CFDA number 97.106. Eligible applicants include county governments, city or township governments, and other entities as described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which would provide any additional eligibility clarifications or constraints.

Key dates and funding details are straightforward. The opportunity was created on June 18, 2020, with an application deadline of July 21, 2020 (11:59:00 P.M. EDT). DHS anticipated making two awards, with an award ceiling of $2,000,000 per award. The awarding agency is the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division. Applicants were directed to consult the NOFO for full requirements, application instructions, and program details, particularly since Phase I deliverables typically hinge on governance design, program planning, integration approaches, and coordination with detection and response partners across jurisdictions.

• The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division in the disaster prevention and relief sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY2020 Securing the Cities (STC) Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 97.106.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 18, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 21, 2020 Due Date 07/21/2020 at 115900 P.M. EDT. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: County governments, City or township governments, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for CWD STC 20 004

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