The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the availability of $11.1 million in intercity bus security grants. This latest round of security grant funding for the motorcoach industry has begun accepting applications today through the government's grant solicitation website, www.grants.gov. Since 2001, DHS has awarded nearly $60 million in grant funds to secure motorcoach operations.

Program eligibility will be determined through a two-tiered system.

• To qualify as a Tier I carrier:
  Applicants must have in-service fleets of more than 250 over-the-road-buses.


• To qualify as a Tier II carrier:
  Applicants must provide fixed route service to FY 2008 UASI areas.
  or
  Applicants must provide a minimum of 50 trips annually to FY 2008 UASI areas.

The FY 2008 grants will be awarded through a competitive selection process, with grant applications due by 11:59 PM ET on March 17, 2008.

There are two important changes to the FY 2008 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program:

1) There is a cost-sharing/match requirement of at least 25% for submitted projects.

2) A security plan and a vulnerability assessment must be completed and submitted to DHS in order to apply for FY 2008 grant funding.

Tools to complete a security plan can be found at http://www.tsa.gov/join/grants/ibsgp.shtm.

DHS will host several conference calls to answer operator's questions regarding the grant applications. Additional questions may be directed to DHS at askcsid@dhs.gov or (800) 368-6498. The special conference calls will occur on the following dates:

Tuesday, February 12 at 2:00 PM EST
(877) 988-9660
PIN#: 6827433

Tuesday, February 19 at 2:00 PM EST
(877) 988-9660
PIN#: 6827433

Tuesday, February 26 at 2:00 PM EST
(877) 988-9660
PIN#: 6827433

All grants must be completed and submitted online. You can apply online by going to www.grants.gov, clicking on find grant opportunities, doing a basic search and typing in the CFDA number 97.057.

Successful grant awards will be announced in June of 2008

Related Resources
FY 2008 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program Fact Sheet FY 2008 Grant Application Guidance for your 2008 Grant Application FY 2008 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Jurisdiction ABA's Security Page: Information on motorcoach security, disaster preparedness and other security-related items

Contact:

Brandon Buchanan
Manager Special Projects
202-218-7227