Business continuity and disaster recoveryFEMA announces fiscal year 2008 CEDAP application period

Published 4 June 2008

FEMA is open to applications from state and local emergency services for funding the purchase of emergency equipment; $16 million in funding will be awarded, and the application period ends at the end of the month

Are you heading an emergency agency or first-response unit in your state of municipality? Then read on: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) yesterday opened the application period for approximately $16 million in equipment and training awards through its 2008 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). Since its inception in fiscal year (FY) 2005, more than $104 million in equipment and training has been awarded through CEDAP to law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other emergency responders. CEDAP is a highly competitive program that works in conjunction with other DHS grant programs to help strengthen the regional response and mutual aid capabilities across the United States to increase overall preparedness. CEDAP provides local homeland security partners with essential equipment and equipment training they may not otherwise be able to afford.

Eligibility for the CEDAP Program is limited to law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other emergency responder organizations with specific financial and capability needs. Equipment and training awards for the FY 2008 CEDAP Program are offered in five categories: extrication devices; thermal imaging, night vision, and video surveillance tools; chemical, biological, and radiological detection tools; information technology and risk management tools; and covert vehicle tracking tools. CEDAP equipment awards are integrated with state planning processes for regional response and asset distribution. Each state administrative agency has the opportunity to review applications submitted by first responder organizations within their state to ensure equipment requests are consistent with their state homeland security strategy.

Prospective applicants may review the program solicitation through the Responder Knowledge Base at www.rkb.us beginning this week. Completed applications must be submitted to DHS-FEMA at www.rkb.us no later than 5 p.m. EDT, 30 June 2008.