title
Adopt a resolution approving participation in the 2023 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) for the period September 1, 2023 through May 31, 2026, affirming the grant expenditure plan and authorizing the Sheriff, Undersheriff, Director of Administrative Services, or Emergency Services Manager to take any actions necessary to obtain and administer this grant, and pending County Counsel concurrence, sign all grant related documents and any service contracts and subsequent amendments itemized in the grant expenditure plan; Approve $174,139 for Solano Operational Area joint-agency response teams and non-county agencies for training and to purchase equipment and protective gear; Approve fixed asset purchases totaling $277,316 for interoperable communications equipment and portable cellular cameras; and Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request recognizing $501,615 in unanticipated grant revenue offset with grant expenditures (4/5 vote required)
body
Published Notice Required? Yes No_X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Sheriff recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt a resolution approving participation in the 2023 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) for the period September 1, 2023 through May 31, 2026, affirming the grant expenditure plan and authorizing the Sheriff, Undersheriff, Director of Administrative Services, or Emergency Services Manager to take any actions necessary to obtain and administer this grant, and pending County Counsel concurrence, sign all grant related documents and any service contracts and subsequent amendments itemized in the grant expenditure plan;
2. Approve $174,139 for Solano Operational Area joint-agency response teams and non-county agencies for training and to purchase equipment and protective gear;
3. Approve fixed asset purchases totaling $277,316 for interoperable communications equipment and portable cellular cameras; and
4. Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request recognizing $501,615 in unanticipated grant revenue offset with grant expenditures (4/5 vote required).
SUMMARY
On February 27, 2023, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for its 2023 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These are federal funds allocated to states to improve prevention and protection capabilities at the state and local levels to prevent terrorism and other catastrophic events, and to prepare for threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of the United States. States in turn may award funds to counties or their equivalent to provide a range of preparedness activities, including planning, organization, equipment purchase, training, exercises, and management and administration.
The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) awards funding through a non-competitive grant process in which each California county’s allocation is included in the State HSGP Supplement released in October 2023. Solano County’s allocation for this cycle is $501,615. The application deadline is scheduled for December 29, 2023, however, is subject to change based on Federal approval. Cal OES requires a Board resolution (Attachment A) to be submitted as part of Solano County’s application to finalize the acceptance process.
The 2023 HSGP Expenditure Plan (Plan) is summarized in Attachment B and a more detailed description of the Plan is enumerated in the Discussion section of this report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Solano County’s FY2023 allocation is $501,615. Although the grant program does not include a match provision, it does require 35% of the total award to be allocated to Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention-oriented activities and equipment and 30% of the total award be allocated toward six (6) pre-identified National Priorities, with five (5) of the six (6) requiring 3% minimum per priority. The Appropriation Transfer Request would increase appropriations by $501,615 to make enhancements to catastrophic incident planning, response and recovery through the purchase of necessary equipment and training. The new appropriations would be entirely offset with unanticipated grant revenue; therefore, Board approval will not impact the County General Fund. Grant expenditures will be reimbursed by Cal OES as expenses are incurred, or on a quarterly basis, and will not significantly impact the County’s cash flow.
The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the Sheriff’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The National Preparedness Goal is for communities to be prepared for all types of disasters and emergencies, specifically to have community-wide capabilities to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greater risk. The National Preparedness System outlines an organized process for everyone in a community to move forward with preparedness activities to achieve this goal. The 2023 HSGP plays an important role in the implementation of the National Preparedness System and supports it by funding activities that build, sustain, and deliver the core capabilities of Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery and National Priorities of Emerging Threats, Protection of Soft Targets, Information and Intelligence Sharing, and Cybersecurity. California’s HSGP administers funds to focus on improving prevention and protection capabilities at the state and local levels.
As part of the State’s process for submission of the State’s grant application to DHS, Cal OES solicits pre-application information and expenditure plans from California counties prior to FEMA’s NOFO. The Solano County Office of Emergency Services (Solano OES) submitted a pre-application in January 2023. The 2023 HSGP Expenditure Plan was developed in consultation with the Solano HSGP Approval Authority Body composed of the Solano County Sheriff, Solano County Public Health Officer, City of Vacaville Fire Chief, Vacaville Fire Protection District Fire Chief, and the City of Suisun City Police Chief. Members of the Approval Authority Body are selected by the Police and Fire Chief’s Association. A detailed description of the Plan is enumerated below:
HazMat Training: $25,000 to provide hazard materials training for the joint-agency HazMat Team personnel.
HazMat Equipment: $25,081 to purchase portable gas detection equipment for HazMat Team personnel. This equipment will assist the Hazardous Materials team in quickly identifying chemical compounds and assist in mitigation incidents in a safe and efficient manner. This project supports the National Priority to enhance the protection of soft targets and/or crowded places.
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Equipment: $14,152 to purchase structural collapse & vehicle extraction equipment for Vallejo Fire Department. These teams support urban search and rescue capabilities throughout the County.
Real Time Information Center Equipment: $59,744 to purchase Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered software, to support the National Priority to enhance information and intelligence sharing and cooperation with federal agencies; and facial recognition software for Vacaville Police Department.
Cybersecurity Exercise: $25,081 to hire a consultant to write and delivery a county-wide functional exercise. This project supports the National Priority to enhance cybersecurity.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Materials: $25,081 to purchase Community Emergency Response Team training manuals and field materials necessary to support the training and implementation CERT. This teams supports disaster preparedness and response by supporting emergency responders and the community during emergencies and disasters. This project supports the National Priority to enhance community preparedness.
Cellular Camera Equipment: $25,081 to purchase cellular cameras for the Office of Emergency Services. The Office of Emergency Services supports all-hazards response capabilities throughout the County. This project supports the National Priority to enhance election security.
Interoperable Communications Equipment: $252,235 to purchase county-wide interoperable communications equipment, mobile and handheld radios, and a network management console. The County is financially responsible for the repair or replacement costs necessary to maintain the equipment.
Staffing: $25,081 to fund an extra-help part-time position to develop and implement a public awareness and training campaign focused on combating domestic violent extremism. This project supports the National Priority to combat domestic violent extremism.
Management and Administration: $25,079 to offset salary and benefits costs for the Sheriff’s Office Accountant performing grant administration activities.
Solano OES will manage and coordinate the HSGP projects including a reallocation of certain expenses to meet the needs of specific projects.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to authorize participation in the program; however, this alternative is not recommended as non-participation may negatively impact the County’s preparedness to secure the Solano Operational Area. Additionally, this alternative is not fiscally prudent as funds would be redistributed to other counties and without the funds, the Sheriff’s Office would not have sufficient appropriations to carry out the activities.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Approval Authority Body within the Solano Operational Area approved the proposed application and expenditure plan. The Solano Operational Area, which includes the entire County, is represented by the Solano County Sheriff, Solano County Public Health Officer, city police departments, city fire departments, and local fire protection districts.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION