Establishment of a coordinated, university-based system to enhance the Nation's homeland security.

The Department of Homeland Security Centers are envisioned to be an integral and critical component of the new homeland security complex that will provide the Nation with a robust, dedicated and

credit: Barnsley

enduring capability that will enhance our ability to anticipate, prevent, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks.

These Centers will also provide a locus to attract and retain the Nation's best and brightest academic scholars in pursuit of homeland security related disciplines.

The DHS Centers will complement other programs within the Department (including the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency) and in other Federal agencies that fund projects-focused research aimed at the development and deployment of specific homeland security technologies and capabilities.

DHS Centers may also include cooperative center arrangements with other Federal agencies, or national laboratories.

Support continues for the existing Centers of Excellence and five new Centers are expected to be funded in FY 2008.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Universities selected by DHS, may use grant funds for: (1) targeted research areas that leverage the multidisciplinary capabilities of universities and fill gaps in our needed knowledge and our ability to counter terrorist attacks; and (2)involve U. S. undergraduate,graduate, and post-doctoral students who are interested,dedicated and committed to making important contributions in science andtechnology endeavors that will enhance the overall security of the nation.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Eligible applicants are accredited U.S.

institutions of higher education.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Public and private colleges and universities.

Credentials/Documentation

None.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

None.

This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

Application deadline and other information are contained in the application/program guidance.

Award Procedures

Applications or plans are reviewed by DHS program and administrative staff for eligibility and responsiveness. Applications will undergo merit review by a panel of subject matter experts which may include federal and non-federal reviewers. Any issues or concerns noted in the application will be negotiated with the successful applicant prior to the award being issued.

Deadlines

Refer to announcement or application guidance for further information.

Authorization

Homeland Security Act of 2002, 6 U.S.C. 188(b), Section 1205 of Public Law 110-53, Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriation Act of 2003, Public Law 108-7; and Section 570 of Public Law 110-161.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Refer to announcement or program guidance document.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Renewals of grant awards are based on performance, program plan, and availability of funds.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Refer to program guidance. Awards are subject to the Cash Management Improvement Act for payment and/or reimbursement of expenditures.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Refer to announcement/program guidance or the award document.

Final financial and performance reports are due 90 days after the expiration or termination of grant award.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards (or receive property, or a combination of both, within the fiscal year) will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular A-133. These audits are due to the cognizant Federal agency, submitted through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse, not later than 9 months after the end of the grantees fiscal year.

Records

Grant records shall be retained for a period of 3 years from the day the recipient submits its final expenditure report. If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, or other action involving the records has been started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until the end of the regular 3-year period, whichever is later. Grant records include financial and program/progress reports, support documents, statistical records, and other documents that support the activity and/or expenditure of the recipient or sub-recipient under the award.

Financial Information

Account Identification

70-0800-0-1-999.

Obigations

FY 07 $23,963,885; FY 08 est $32,000,000; and FY 09 est not available.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Refer to program guidance.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

None.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Department of Homeland Security, University Programs, 245 Murray Drive, Building #410, S.W., Washington, DC 20523. E-mail: universityprograms@dhs.gov.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Refer to the program guidance for information on criteria for selecting proposals.