Bus Security Grants

The motorcoach industry continually strives to improve the safety and security of bus operations. Over the past few years, enhancing motorcoach security has become a key issue for all operators and a priority issue for the nation as a whole as motorcoaches visit nearly all of our nation's historic landmarks, pass along or through much of our critical infrastructure, and transport nearly 750 million passengers.

Since 2003, over $94 million in grants have been awarded to the motorcoach industry by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP).

Starting on May 19, 2011, DHS has begun accepting applications for the FY 2011 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program. Some key features of the FY 2011 program include:

• Applications must be submitted online through www.grants.gov, the CFDA # is 97.057.
• Applications may be submitted until 11:59 PM ET on Monday, June 20, 2011.
• $4.99 million has been made available for FY 2011.
• There is a cost-sharing/in-kind match requirement of at least 25% for submitted projects.
• There is NO cost-sharing requirement for projects funded for the development of a security plan or vulnerability assessment.
• A recent security plan and a vulnerability assessment must be completed and certified to DHS in order to apply for FY 2011 grant funding for other projects. DHS defines recent as being within the last 3 years.

For FY 2011, the $4.99 million in IBSGP funding will be awarded through a competitive grants selection process.

To qualify:

• Applicants must provide fixed route service to at least one FY 2011 UASI jurisdiction.
• Or provide a minimum of 50 trips annually to designated FY 2011 UASI jurisdiction.

Operators are encouraged to apply for FY 2011 IBSGP funding that can be used towards a variety of eligible projects across several funding categories, including:

• Training & Exercises (hiring security consultants for training programs, exercises, drills, etc.)
• Facility Security Enhancements (lights, fences, id badges, cctv, etc.)
• Vehicle Security (GPS, kill switch technology, streaming video, panic buttons, driver shields, etc.)
• Passenger Screening (wanding devices, detection technology, canine patrols, etc.)
• Security Planning (development of security plans, vulnerability assessments, etc.)

ABA has also partnered with Terrapin Blue to provide ABA members access to new tools to help them put together security grant application packages and serve as a one-stop shop for each operator's security and emergency preparedness needs. Terrapin Blue will offer ABA members an exclusive 15% discount on their nationally recognized grant writing services.

With the ability to write, facilitate, and manage successful security grant awards for bus operators from cradle-to-grave as well as furthering media relations through award-winning website production, online marketing, and developing leading-edge emergency preparedness and security services, Terrapin Blue is positioned as the ideal consultancy firm to assist the private motorcoach industry with this essential federal funding program.

Contact Terrapin Blue's Anthony Vaccarello to start the security grant application process today. He can be reached at (706) 534-3518 or avaccarello@terrapinblue.com. 

In addition to providing the grant guidance and application instructions, DHS will also be holding weekly teleconferences regarding the grants and the application process. To access those conference calls please use the following information:

DATE	TIME	CALL-IN NUMBER	PASSCODE
May 31, 2011	1:00-2:00 pm ET	877-988-9660	6827433
June 7, 2011	1:00-2:00 pm ET	877-988-9660	6827433
June 14, 2011	1:00-2:00 pm ET	877-988-9660	6827433

Additional questions may be directed to DHS at askcsid@dhs.gov or (800) 368-6498, as well as ASK-GMD@dhs.gov and (866) 927-5646.

As a reminder, it is necessary to obtain a DUNS number and to register with both www.grants.gov and the Central Contract Registry (CCR), www.ccr.gov to create an account in order to complete and submit your application online. The registration process can take up to 3 weeks for first time registrants.

All completed grant applications must be submitted online.

Several of the requirements tied to this grant program have come out of law. You can check out some of the legislative highlights related to motorcoach security below.