FEMA is offering this grant to enhance the readiness of the National Urban Search & Rescue Response System.

The National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System (the System) provides funding for 28 national task forces staffed and equipped to assist State and local governments conduct around-the-clock search-and-rescue operations following a Presidentially declared major disaster or emergency under the Stafford Act (e.g., earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, aircraft accidents, hazardous materials spills and catastrophic structure collapses). When deployed, these task forces support State and local emergency responders’ efforts to locate survivors and manage recovery operations. This program supports DHS Mission 5, Goal 5.1: “Enhance National Readiness,” as provided in the DHS 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.

The objective of this Cooperative Agreement is to provide for the sustainment and readiness of the System and local jurisdictions, through the funding of: administration and management, training, equipment, and storage and maintenance.

Program Priorities are as follows:

1. Ensure that System Sponsoring Agency Administrative Organizations manage and administer task force affairs and activities consistent with best practices; to include making available training and exercises that enable task force personnel to safely perform assigned duties in accordance with established FEMA and System standards and guidance.
2. Ensure a state of readiness and enhance operational effectiveness by acquiring and maintaining equipment and tools in accordance with the System’s current approved FEMA Equipment Cache List.
3. Provide leased space to meet the office, training site and storage requirements of the System.
4. Optimize standby activities by making available resources to enable catastrophic event planning, mobilization exercises and technical assistance.
5. Provide forums to enable FEMA and System Sponsoring Agency senior leadership coordination and discussion on System strategic issues.