State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program
ID: 355284Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

United States Coast Guard (DHS-USCG)

Award Range

$0 - $2M

Eligible Applicants

State Governments

Funding Category

Other

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Mandatory

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The United States Coast Guard is offering the State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program, aimed at enhancing boating safety through federal financial assistance. This program is specifically designed for designated state authorities, allowing them to apply for funding to support various boating safety initiatives, with a federal cost share of up to 50% of state expenditures. The total funding available for the program is approximately $123,905,473 for the fiscal year 2025, with applications due by September 30, 2024. Interested applicants can reach out to Cynthia Dudzinski at cynthia.m.dudzinski@uscg.mil for further information regarding the application process and requirements.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Annual Performance Report Narrative Guidance outlines the requirements for submitting the Performance Report Parts I and II (PRPI and PRPII) concerning federal fiscal year activities. These reports, due by December 31st following the performance period, aim to detail key program accomplishments, challenges faced, and status updates on legislative actions. The PRPI, limited to 2-3 pages, encourages applicants to discuss procurement challenges with approved equipment, project completion statuses, and fluctuations in significant performance metrics from PRPII. The narrative should elucidate the statistical data, providing context for any discrepancies in reported numbers, such as changes in operational hours or compliance metrics due to external factors. Together, both parts of the report present a comprehensive overview of the program's performance and the factors influencing it, ensuring accurate reflection of activities undertaken and their outcomes.
    The Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Budget Tool 2025 aids applicants in preparing the Budget Information Sheet (SF-424a) for federal financial assistance under the State Recreational Boating Safety Grant Program. Notably, the Equipment List has been separated and is now accessible via Grants.gov. Applicants are instructed to input their carryover amount, state, and application amount, which reflects new federal money sought for the current fiscal year. The budget template requires the detailing of various categories including administration, law enforcement, education, navaids, boat registration, titling, and public access, with sections for both federal and non-federal costs. It emphasizes that no negative values should be present in Section A, and that total amounts in Section A must match Section B. Additionally, submissions through Grants.gov should include an Excel attachment of the Budget Tool, separate from the online forms. Enhancements over the previous version include expanded construction budget sheets and necessary corrections, seeking user feedback for continuous improvements. Overall, the document serves as a guide for state and local agencies to align their budget requests with federal requirements effectively.
    The document is Commandant Publication 16755.3B, effective March 1, 2022, detailing guidelines for the State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Programs administered by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Its purpose is to outline laws and regulations that guide states in applying for and managing federal grant funding aimed at promoting boating safety. Key objectives of the program include supporting states in their primary role in boating safety education and enforcement, establishing uniformity in these efforts, and ensuring compliance with federal standards. The USCG oversees the program, with specific responsibilities assigned to various branches within the agency for administration and financial management. States must adhere to established guidelines in their RBS programs, including creating a proper vessel numbering system, ensuring adequate boating safety education, and submitting accurate financial reports for grant funding. The document stresses that while these guidelines provide a framework, they do not impose legally binding requirements, allowing for alternative compliance approaches as long as they meet federal regulations. Overall, this publication serves as a comprehensive resource to help states enhance their boating safety initiatives through federal support, reinforcing the federal government's commitment to promoting safe recreational boating practices nationwide.
    The memo from the Chief of the Grants Management Branch outlines the estimated allocations for the State Recreational Boating Safety (SRBS) Programs for Fiscal Year 2025. Based on anticipated revenue from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, approximately $146,723,185 is projected for distribution. After accounting for administrative costs incurred by the Coast Guard and grants to nonprofit organizations, about $123,905,473 is expected to be allocated to states and territories. The allocations are dependent on compliance with reporting requirements and prior-year expenditures, with potential adjustments based on updated information from states. Applications for the SRBS Program funding must be submitted through Grants.gov by September 30, 2024. This memo serves as a crucial notification for boating law administrators regarding federal financial assistance distributions and the procedural requirements for funding applications.
    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program, detailed in a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at enhancing public safety and enjoyment during recreational boating. This initiative, managed by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), has allocated $123,905,473 for a one-year performance period starting on October 1, 2024, and ending on September 30, 2025. Eligible applicants must be designated state authorities, and the program supports a federal cost share of up to 50% of state expenditures for boating safety programs. The application process includes vital deadlines, with submissions due by September 30, 2024. Applicants must secure a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) via the System for Award Management (SAM) and apply through Grants.gov. Comprehensive guidelines provide details on required forms, budgeting, eligibility criteria, and performance reporting. The program emphasizes key initiatives including influencing boater behavior and leveraging recreational boating data. Overall, the NOFO aims to enhance boating safety while ensuring states align with federal standards and reporting requirements.
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