The objective of this task is to identify funding that can be used for the planning process. Begin by investigating funding options that may be available through appropriation or existing grants at the local and state level. These opportunities may have been revealed through the conversations held during Phase I.
Next, contact your state’s Office of Domestic Preparedness (ODP) representative to explore federal grant funding opportunities. The ODP grant program offers funding assistance to enhance the capacity of state and local jurisdictions to prevent, respond to, and recover from incidents of terrorism. Contacting your state ODP representative can lead to more information on what is available across the federal government as it relates to grants and other forms of federal assistance. Be aware that funding may be restricted to certain aspects of improving interoperable communications. For example, some federal grants are offered solely to support the purchase of technology equipment while others target training.
Potential costs to consider:
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Car rental and travel
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Hotels
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Meals and incidental expenses
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Conference room rental
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Conference material expenses (butcher board, markers, paper, pens, etc.)
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Audiovisual requirements
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Catering needs
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Participant information packets and session materials
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Webpage/Web design (purpose: status updates and information throughout the planning phases)
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Consultant and/or facilitation support
Note that the majority of these costs are associated with conducting focus group interviews and holding a strategic planning session. These are discussed in detail under Phases VI and VIII.
Lesson Learned: As funding is secured for the planning process, it is also good practice to begin to identify resources for implementing the final communications interoperability plan. Identifying resources early will build confidence among the planning participants by demonstrating the financial commitment of state and local leadership.
Consider the amount of funding that may be needed for the implementation of the initiatives that arise from the planning process. Ideally, the funding of initiatives should be a combination of federal and state grants with support from the state budget as available.
Questions that can guide your thinking on the future state of your budget include:
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What are the initiatives that might result from the planning process?
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How are similar initiatives being funded in other states?
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What are the federal funding options for similar initiatives?
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When and how does the state budget process work?
Please see Appendix A - Grant Guidance, resources section, for a starting point to locate funding in your area. Many federal grants are available, but there may also be local funding resources available in your area of the country.
Lesson Learned: The planning process may identify initiatives that lack funding for execution. Therefore, begin conversations early in the planning effort with individuals at the state level who are responsible for budgeting for and funding communications interoperability efforts.