DHS Grants Provide Funding for Security Projects (Learn More, Video)

Guest Editorial by Emily Sullivan, PSP

In Fiscal Year 2017, the Department of Homeland Security offered more than one billion dollars to states and territories to prevent, secure against, respond to, and recover from terrorist acts and other emergencies.

Three grant programs comprise the Homeland Security Grant Program:

• State Homeland Security Program (SHSP)
• Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
• Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)

These programs focus on different objectives and fund projects including planning, organization, equipment purchasing, training, exercises, and administration for sectors such as:

• Cybersecurity
• Infrastructure Systems
• Economic Recovery
• Housing
• Natural and Cultural Resources

Grant disbursement for 2017 was as follows:

Cost is a major factor in security system implementation whether it is a new construction project or involves selling the c-suite on upgrading existing solutions.

Assisting public and private organizations in locating and utilizing available resources increases possibilities when securing the homeland and considering public safety.

For example, the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) emphasizes thirty-three highly populated cities facing high-threat levels based on the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Guide (THIRA) available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

With the surge in pedestrian attacks involving vehicles, cities such as Las Vegas, NV and Manhattan, NY are analyzing products and applications for anti-vehicle barriers.

(See the Stalwart M50/P1 design, the pinnacle to Ameristar’s already comprehensive list of available barrier ratings. Stalwart’s new design allows for a simplistic installation, yielding the most cost competitive M50/P1 solution available on the market. Courtesy of Ameristar Perimeter Security and YouTube)

Local governments could fund these projects with federal grant money if they meet the guidelines and eligibility criteria.

The Department of Homeland Security Authorized Equipment List (AEL) encompasses items such as personal protective equipment, medical equipment, and physical security enhancement equipment among others.

Ameristar Perimeter Security USA manufactures the only DHS SAFETY Act Certified passive barrier and fence systems in Stalwart and Impasse II products.

Through ATG, Ameristar provides the rapidly deployable temporary Surface Guard system ideal for protection of outdoor public spaces.

(See the Surface Guard: 20 Minute Set-Up in Action! Courtesy of Ameristar Perimeter and YouTube)

The data released by the Department of Homeland Security indicates the 2018 budget includes increased preparedness and resilience funding.

The FY 2018 Budget-in-Brief proposes over two billion dollars for Federal assistance programs including grants, training, and exercises designed to prevent, mitigate, and recover from disastrous events.

The federal government fiscal year begins on October 1st and ends on September 30^th.

Applications for FY 2017 funding were due by June 22, 2017, and the FY 2018 information is not yet available.

Details and instructional resources for grant applications are available online.

References/Helpful Links:

• https://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/find-and-apply-grants
• https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-grant-program-hsgp
• https://www.fema.gov/authorized-equipment-list
• https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2017-homeland-security-grant-program

About the Author:

Sooner born and Sooner bred, Emily is a Tulsa, OK native.

She has spent the last twelve years helping companies protect what is important to them – their employees and their assets.

Emily is a board certified Physical Security Professional (PSP), and helps clients solve their security problems.

From working with the neighbor down the street to Fortune 500 companies, each circumstance is unique and enjoy new challenges.