Awards made under the ARI program cover a wide range of research in nuclear and radiological detection.
Projects include; advanced algorithms and detectors for used in gamma-ray imaging, nano-material applications in scintillator and semiconductor detectors, modeling to improve sensor management and port security, fieldable nuclear forensics systems for material identification, and measurement of fundamental nuclear data and cross-sections.
The Department of Homeland Security has three primary missions: Prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism and minimize the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters.
Since FY 07, 25 grants have been awarded under the Academic Research Initiative (ARI) program to 22 different projects. It is estimated that approximately 8 new awards will be made in FY 08 in addition to the 25 continuation awards of the FY 07 grants. These grants provide funding to support over 75 graduate students in nuclear and radiological research areas. In addition, an annual ARI grantees conference is held to promote information sharing and collaborations across the community. In FY 07 a total of 133 proposals were received under the ARI solicitation and a total of 22 projects (25 grants) were funded. It is estimated in FY 08 and FY 09 that 8 out of approximately 90 proposals will be funded in each fiscal year. Funding has also supported basic and applied research in the radiological/nuclear detection and interstate transportation security.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Financial and nonfinancial assistance may be provided for the following: salaries, materials and supplies, equipment, travel, publication costs, subcontractor and supporting costs required for technical and other activities necessary to achieve the objective.
Restrictions on use of funds will be identified in the announcement, program guidance and award provisions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
States, local governments, private, public, profit or nonprofit organizations, Indian Tribal governments, or individuals specified by U.S.
Appropriation Statute.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Federal, State, and local governments, private, public, profit or nonprofit organizations, Indian tribal governments, and individuals.
Credentials/Documentation
May be required by the U.S. Statute, regulation, or program guidance.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Application deadline and other information are contained in the application/program guidance.
Award Procedures
Applications or plans are reviewed by DHS program and administrative staff. Any issues or concerns noted in the application will be negotiated with the successful applicant prior to the award being issued.
Deadlines
Refer to announcement or application guidance for further information.
Authorization
Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296; as amended by the SAFE Port Act, Title V, Section 501(a), Public Law 109-347.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Refer to program guidance document.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Contingent upon future Congressional funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the sole discretion of the Department of Homeland Security.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
"Earmarked" or one-time funding amounts and any match requirements are specified in the Program or Appropriation Statute, regulation or program guidance, and are identified in the announcement.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Refer to program guidance. Awards are subject to the Cash Management Improvement Act for payment and/or reimbursement of expenditures.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Grantees are required to submit quarterly financial and performance reports.
Quarterly "Progress Reports" must include the progress of each sub-grant award.
Reports are due 30 days after the end of each quarter: January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30.
Final financial and performance reports are due 90 days after the expiration or termination of grant award.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards (or receive property, or a combination of both, within the fiscal year) will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular A-133. These audits are due to the cognizant Federal agency, submitted through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse, not later than 9 months after the end of the grantees fiscal year.
Records
Grant records shall be retained for a period of 3 years from the day the recipient submits its final expenditure report. If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, or other action involving the records has been started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until the end of the regular 3-year period, whichever is later. Grant records include financial and program/progress reports, support documents, statistical records, and other documents that support the activity and/or expenditure of the recipient or sub-recipient under the award.
Financial Information
Account Identification
70-0860-0-1-999.
Obigations
FY 07 $15,367,353; FY 08 est $11,000,000; and FY 09 est $14,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Refer to program guidance.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
OMB Circulars Nos., A-21 Cost Principles for Educational Institutions, A-87 Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments, A-102 Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments, A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Nonprofit Organizations, and A-133 Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations, in addition to program regulations, guidelines, DHS policy and procedures.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Headquarters Office: Grants and Financial Assistance Division,Office of Procurement Operations, Telephone: (202) 447-5589.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Refer to the program guidance for information on criteria for selecting proposals.
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