Opportunity Information: Apply for DHS 21 USFA 043 00 01

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 State Fire Training (SFT) Systems Grant Program is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through FEMA, tied to CFDA number 97.043. It is built around the long-standing partnership established under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, which directs the National Fire Academy (NFA) to work cooperatively with state-level fire service training agencies to strengthen the quality, consistency, and reach of fire and emergency services training nationwide.

At its core, the program helps states deliver NFA-aligned training more effectively by supporting several practical components of training delivery. This includes the direct, government-funded delivery of approved courses within states, along with the distribution and sharing of standardized instructional resources such as student manuals, instructor guides, and related course materials. In addition to providing these ready-to-use national curriculum assets, the grant funding is meant to help states supplement and customize their training systems so they can better meet local needs while still leveraging the NFA course catalog and programs. In other words, the program is designed to reinforce statewide training infrastructure and delivery capacity, not just pay for one-off classes.

The program is also positioned as part of the broader national preparedness framework. The opportunity description specifically notes alignment with Mission 5 of the 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, which focuses on strengthening national preparedness and resilience. It also connects to Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8) on National Preparedness, emphasizing that well-structured training programs are a foundational element of readiness across hazards. By funding and coordinating training through state systems, DHS/FEMA and the NFA aim to support a more capable emergency response workforce and more consistent preparedness outcomes across jurisdictions.

Administratively, the opportunity was posted on June 15, 2021, with an original application closing date of July 27, 2021. The funding instrument type is a grant, and the funding activity category is listed as "Other" (with further clarification typically provided in the full notice). The award ceiling is $20,000 per award, and the program anticipated making approximately 50 awards. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with the detailed eligibility requirements expected to be spelled out in the full announcement, but the program description indicates the intended applicants are state fire service training agencies or the entities responsible for statewide fire training coordination in partnership with the NFA.

In practical terms, this grant opportunity is about reinforcing statewide fire training systems by giving states targeted funding and access to national-level training content and delivery support, so they can expand or refine training for the fire service and related emergency response personnel while staying aligned with NFA standards and national preparedness priorities.

  • The Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 State Fire Training (SFT) Systems Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 97.043.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Jun 15, 2021.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 27, 2021. (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 $20,000.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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FY 2021 State Fire Training (SFT) Systems Grant Program (CFDA 97.043) - FAQs

What is the FY 2021 State Fire Training (SFT) Systems Grant Program?

The FY 2021 State Fire Training (SFT) Systems Grant Program is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through FEMA. It supports state-level fire service training systems in delivering National Fire Academy (NFA)-aligned training more effectively and consistently across a state.

Which federal agencies are involved in this program?

The opportunity is offered by DHS through FEMA and is tied to the National Fire Academy (NFA). The program reflects an established partnership between the NFA and state fire service training agencies.

What is the CFDA number for this grant?

The grant is tied to CFDA number 97.043.

What law or authority is this program based on?

The program is built around the partnership established under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, which directs the NFA to work cooperatively with state-level fire service training agencies to strengthen fire and emergency services training nationwide.

What is the main purpose of this grant?

The main purpose is to reinforce statewide fire training infrastructure and delivery capacity by helping states deliver approved NFA-aligned courses, distribute standardized instructional resources, and supplement/customize training systems to better meet local needs while leveraging the NFA course catalog and programs.

Is this grant meant to fund one-time classes or broader training systems?

Based on the description provided, it is designed to reinforce statewide training systems and delivery capacity rather than simply paying for one-off classes.

What types of activities or support does the program emphasize?

The program emphasizes practical components of training delivery, including government-funded delivery of approved courses within states and distribution/sharing of standardized instructional resources such as student manuals, instructor guides, and related course materials.

Does the program provide standardized curriculum materials?

Yes. The description highlights the distribution and sharing of standardized instructional resources, including student manuals, instructor guides, and related course materials tied to NFA-approved courses.

Can states adapt training to local needs under this program?

Yes. The funding is meant to help states supplement and customize their training systems to better meet local needs while still leveraging NFA courses and programs.

How does this grant relate to national preparedness priorities?

The opportunity is positioned within the broader national preparedness framework. It notes alignment with Mission 5 of the 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (strengthening national preparedness and resilience) and connects to Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8) on National Preparedness, emphasizing training as a foundational element of readiness across hazards.

When was this opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on June 15, 2021.

What was the application closing date?

The original application closing date was July 27, 2021.

What is the funding instrument type?

The funding instrument type is a grant.

What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is listed as "Other" (with additional clarification typically provided in the full notice).

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $20,000 per award.

How many awards were anticipated?

The program anticipated making approximately 50 awards.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others." However, the description indicates the intended applicants are state fire service training agencies or the entities responsible for statewide fire training coordination in partnership with the NFA. Detailed eligibility requirements would be expected in the full announcement.

Is this program limited to state-level organizations?

The description centers on state fire service training agencies and statewide training coordination entities, indicating a state-level focus rather than individual departments or local organizations acting independently.

What does it mean that this is a discretionary grant opportunity?

The opportunity is described as discretionary, meaning awards are not automatic and are made based on the program's selection process and the specifics of submitted applications, as set out in the full notice.

What is the role of the National Fire Academy (NFA) in this grant?

The NFA is central to the program concept. The grant supports delivery of approved NFA-aligned courses within states and sharing of NFA-related instructional resources, reflecting the cooperative framework between the NFA and state training systems.

What is the overall outcome DHS/FEMA and the NFA are aiming for with this grant?

The described goal is a more capable emergency response workforce and more consistent preparedness outcomes across jurisdictions by strengthening and coordinating training delivered through state systems while staying aligned with NFA standards and national preparedness priorities.

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