By Ron Thaniel
April 2, 2007

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement the $1 billion Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program February 16.

The funding contained in the grant program, which is intended to help state, local and federal first responders better communicate during a natural or man-made disaster, is a priority for the Conference of Mayors, as outlined in the Strong Cities, Strong Families for a Strong America 10-Point Plan.

Released during the Conference’s 75th Winter Meeting, the 10-Point Plan is calling on a well-funded, stand-alone, federal emergency communications grant program to carry out initiatives to improve interoperable communications, including flexible direct grants to cities and their first responders.

In particular, the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 provides that the Department of Commerce, in consultation with the DHS, shall make payments not to exceed $1 billion in the aggregate through fiscal year 2010 to carry out the PSIC Grant Program.

Under this program, first responders may use the funds for the acquisition of, deployment of or training for the use of interoperable communications systems that can utilize reallocated public safety spectrum in the 700 MHz band for radio communication. Furthermore, it is designed to complement funds that have been awarded through other grant programs'such as the Homeland Security Grant Program and Infrastructure Protection Program that included interoperable communications funds. The program will emphasize leveraging grants, contracts or state/local budgets to build and sustain intra- and interstate regional capabilities and identified needs.

NTIA is, in consultation with DHS, to develop the grant program policies, procedures and regulations of the grants to be awarded in 2007, and grant projects will be completed in Fiscal Year 2010. As required in the recently enacted Call Home Act of 2006, the grants will be awarded by September 30.

Grants will be awarded after grant guidance is completed in the third quarter of FY 2007 and grant application information, and eligibility requirements also will be released, at this time.

For program information, contact NTIA’s Office of Telecommunications and Information Administration at 202-482-5802 or the DHS Office of Grants and Training at 1-800-368-6498.