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Band 14 Incumbent Spectrum Relocation
As described in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) holds a single, nationwide FCC license to utilize Band 14 spectrum frequencies for the purposes of developing, building and operating the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN).
A number of incumbents around the nation continue to operate narrowband systems on the FirstNet-licensed Band 14 frequencies under previously issued FCC authorization.
They must relocate their communications operations from Band 14 to ensure unencumbered (clear ? free of interference) spectrum which is necessary for successful NPSBN development, deployment and operations.
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Program Accomplishments
Not Applicable.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funding under the Band 14 Incumbent Spectrum Relocation Program will be awarded to select incumbents ? state, county and municipal public safety entities who possess a current FCC Public Safety 700MHz license and have demonstrated current, active utilization of the Band 14 spectrum frequencies in their public safety communication operations.
Funding will be awarded to incumbents for the purposes of retuning, reprogramming, procuring equipment in certain cases and modifying affected FCC licenses as needed to clear the Band 14 spectrum while being able to continue their communications operations on other FCC-allocated frequency assignments.
The incumbent must be actively using the Band 14 spectrum as of the publishing of this grant program on Grants.gov and must agree to relocate from Band 14 within the required period of performance.
Grant funds cannot be used to replace (supplant) funds that have been previously appropriated for the retuning and/or procurement of equipment in anticipation of the relocation from Band 14 to other spectrum.
Grant funds can only be used to retune and reprogram equipment and/or procure equipment within the 12 month period of performance.
Applicants must commit to achieving the spectrum relocation within the required period of performance.
No-cost extensions may be considered based on demonstrated need.
Grant funds may not be used for interoperable communications infrastructure construction or to resolve pre-existing infrastructure or network deficiencies or shortcomings.
Any project which would require an environmental assessment or environmental impact study will not be considered under this grant.
100% of funds are set aside for discretionary activities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
State, county and municipal government public safety entities (and agencies thereof) that are currently FCC-licensed and operating on Band 14 for the express purposes of public safety communications as of the posting date of the federal funding opportunity for this grant program.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Only state, county and municipal government public safety entities who are Band 14 incumbents in need of financial assistance in relocating communications operations to other FCC-allocated spectrum assignments may receive funding through this program. Applicants must submit documentation showing current, active use of Band 14 frequencies.
Credentials/Documentation
Applicants must submit evidence of Band 14 incumbency by providing a copy of their current FCC license along with a certified copy of their current agency-approved public safety communications system frequency plan depicting assigned Band 14 frequencies. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication coordination is required.
Environmental impact information is not required for this program.
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, 'Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.' An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program.
Award Procedures
Each application will be reviewed by FirstNet for adherence to eligibility criteria and programmatic guidelines. If a submission does not meet the requirements, the applicant will be notified of the deficiency. Upon approval of the application, grants will be awarded to the respective state, county and municipal government public safety entity. Grantees can draw down and expend funds through the Automated Standard for Application for Payment (ASAP) system.
Deadlines
Mar 16, 2016 to May 16, 2016 Within 60 days, May 16, 2016.
Authorization
Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, Public Law 112-96, 47 U.S.C 1401 et seq.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 60 to 90 days.
Appeals
Not Applicable.
Renewals
Not Applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula. This program has no matching requirements. This program does not have MOE requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The grant period of performance will be one year (12 months). A no cost extension may be considered based on demonstrated need. Payment and Reporting System payments are generally within 90 days. Payments under the award will be made using the Department of Treasury's Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) system. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: quarterly.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
No program reports are required.
No cash reports are required.
Department of Commerce Standard Terms and Conditions require the submission of Performance (Technical) Reports on a semi-annual basis.
Department of Commerce Standard Terms and Conditions require the submission of Financial Status Reports (SF-425) on a semi-annual basis.
Department of Commerce Standard Terms and Conditions require the submission of Performance (Technical) Reports on a semi-annual basis.
Applicants will submit quarterly progress report on their relocation efforts.
Applicants will submit quarterly financial reports.
No performance monitoring is required.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200, Subpart F - Audit Requirements, non-Federal entities that expend financial assistance of $750,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-Federal entities that expend less than $750,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.503.
Records
Grant recipients must retain records for three years after award closeout.
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-8233-0-7-376.
Obigations
(Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 16 $27,064,447; FY 17 Not Separately Identifiable; and FY 18 Not Separately Identifiable
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Awards based on estimate of reasonable and allocable cost.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Not Applicable.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Loren Southard 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr. M/S 243, Reston, Virginia 22201 Email: loren.southard@firstnet.gov Phone: 5716656147
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not Applicable.
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