Search Virginia.gov:

• Home
• Governance
  • Secure Commonwealth Panel
  • Commonwealth Preparedness Working Group
  • Regional Preparedness Advisory Committees
  • Virginia Miltary Advisory Council
• Initiatives
  • ECO Information
  • Interoperability
  • National Capital Region
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection
  • Grants Coordination
  • Virginia Higher Education Preparedness Consortium
• Reports and Publications
  • Publications
  • Strategic Plan
  • Executive Orders
• OCP Office Information
  • About the OCP
  • Robert P. Crouch, Jr. Bio
  • Contact Us
  • Office Staff
  • Directions
• Calendar
• Links of Interest

Homeland Security Grant FAQs

This page will be updated regularly. To ask a question, fill out our contact form. In the “Question or Comment” box begin your question with GRANTS FAQ. The question will be directed to the OCP Grants Coordinator who will both answer your question and incorporate the question/answer into the page updates.

1. How can I get involved in the DHS 2008 grant stakeholder process?
2. If the Regional Preparedness Advisory Committee (RPAC) provides input into the grant priorities, then how do I get involved?
3. I heard that there are competitive homeland security grants available to localities.  Where do I find this information?
4. What grants are available to fire departments?
5. I have goods or services that the Commonwealth may want to purchase to support Homeland Security initiatives. How do I get on the list to be considered as a vendor for Homeland Security initiatives?

How can I get involved in the DHS 2008 grant stakeholder process?

Please be patient as we are preparing the stakeholder invitations and all supporting documentation. All information will be posted to the 2008 DHS Grants web page.

If the Regional Preparedness Advisory Committees (RPAC) provides input into the grant priorities, then how do I get involved?

The Regional Preparedness Advisory Committees serves as the conduit of information and communication for each of the seven Homeland Security regions. Each RPAC has representation from the disciplines involved in all-hazards preparedness. To get involved, first identify your region and then contact our office to inquire about future meetings and representation.

I heard that there are competitive homeland security grants available to localities. Where do I find this information?

Most competitive grant opportunities are managed by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. 

At VDEM, announcements for grant opportunities will be posted to their home page under “What’s New” with details on their Grant Information page.  At DCJS, their Grants page will include announcements and all the details needed to apply for a grant.

What grants are available to fire departments?

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs offers funding and grants through a diverse program addressing the specific needs of fire departments.  Their Grants and Local Aid page provides details on the various programs as well as excellent links to other fire department related grant opportunities and grant development. 

In addition, Federal grants area available through the American Fire Grants distributed by the Department of Homeland Security.  These awards go solely and directly to a fire department.  They are competitive grants and must be applied for by a fire department.  The Awards Announcement details awards and initiatives by state.

I have goods or services that the Commonwealth may want to purchase to support Homeland Security initiatives. How do I get on the list to be considered as a vendor for Homeland Security initiatives?

At the state agency level, all purchases for goods or services are made through the statewide procurement system eVA.  All vendors must be registered in eVA to receive announcements related to any purchase of goods or services.  At this time, the Commonwealth does not accept unsolicited proposals for Homeland Security solutions on goods or services.