Fiscal Year 2025 National Urban Search And Rescue Response System Readiness Cooperative Agreement

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces the Fiscal Year 2025 National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System funding opportunity. Aimed at maintaining readiness of 28 designated Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, the total funding available is approximately $40.3 million, distributed in awards ranging from $1.3 million to $1.6 million. This cooperative agreement facilitates training, operational readiness, and procurement of equipment to respond to disasters and emergencies. Eligible applicants are restricted to the sponsoring agencies of the designated task forces, and only one application per agency is permitted. Applications must be submitted via the FEMA GO system between July 28 and August 11, 2025. Funding can cover management and administrative costs, training, and necessary equipment, but not unallowable costs as per federal regulations. Performance evaluations will take place annually, evaluating both operational readiness and logistics. Compliance with federal standards, environmental reviews, and expenditure reporting is mandatory. The initiative is vital for ensuring effective disaster response, providing the necessary resources and support to local, state, and tribal governments engaged in rescue operations.

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The document outlines the final budget and spend plan for the National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) program for FY2025, with a total budget of $40,832,000. The allocation includes $40,274,708 for task forces and $557,292 for direct support. It details various items and services funded by the budget, including program management, travel expenses, readiness assessments, training initiatives, and equipment acquisition. Additionally, the spend plan includes stipends, cache maintenance, and cost recapitulation for specialized equipment related to the US&R operations. The provided financial plans delineate specific task forces, associated costs, and itemized expenditures, demonstrating a structured approach to resource allocation aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities. Furthermore, the document specifies deliverables and reporting requirements for cooperative agreements, including evaluations, financial reports, and asset tracking essential for compliance with federal regulations. This comprehensive budget aims to ensure collaboration among various entities while ensuring preparedness and effectiveness in emergency situations across the nation.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA provide funding through the Readiness Cooperative Agreement for maintaining and developing the National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System. This funding, amounting to a minimum of $1.2 million per task force for FY 2025, supports administrative management, training, equipment procurement, and maintenance of local task forces involved in disaster response efforts. The Cooperative Agreement outlines responsibilities for both FEMA and Sponsoring Agencies, emphasizing proper management of funds, compliance with federal regulations, and system readiness protocols. Sponsoring Agencies must conduct self-evaluations, facilitate mandatory training, track expenditures, and prepare sem-annual performance reports, including the deployment cost estimates and inventory submissions. The document strictly delineates funding utilization, reporting requirements, and accountability for equipment management. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and includes procedures for equipment procurement and maintenance. The focus remains on operational readiness for disaster response while adhering to federal guidelines. The cooperation between federal, state, and local entities is crucial for effective national disaster response, ensuring resources are efficiently managed and allocated.