FEMA ANNOUNCES FISCAL YEAR 2008 CEDAP APPLICATION PERIOD

May 30, 2008 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened today the application period for approximately $16 million in equipment and training awards through its 2008 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). Since its inception in fiscal year (FY) 2005, more than $104 million in equipment and training has been awarded through CEDAP to law enforcement agencies, fire departments and other emergency responders.

CEDAP is a highly competitive program that works in conjunction with other DHS grant programs to help strengthen the regional response and mutual aid capabilities across the nation to increase overall preparedness. CEDAP provides local homeland security partners with essential equipment and equipment training they may not otherwise be able to afford.

Eligibility for the CEDAP Program is limited to law enforcement agencies, fire departments and other emergency responder organizations with specific financial and capability needs. Equipment and training awards for the FY 2008 CEDAP Program are offered in five categories: extrication devices; thermal imaging, night vision, and video surveillance tools; chemical, biological and radiological detection tools; information technology and risk management tools; and covert vehicle tracking tools.

CEDAP equipment awards are integrated with state planning processes for regional response and asset distribution. Each State Administrative Agency has the opportunity to review applications submitted by first responder organizations within their state to ensure equipment requests are consistent with their state homeland security strategy.

Prospective applicants may review the program solicitation through the Responder Knowledge Base at www.rkb.us beginning today. Completed applications must be submitted to DHS-FEMA at www.rkb.us no later than 5 p.m. EDT, June 30, 2008.

For more information on CEDAP and other DHS grant programs, visit www.dhs.gov.