Slip-on Tanker Units | D24AS00253

Slip-on Tanker Units Grant (Funding Opportunity Number D24AS00253) - FAQs

What is the Slip-on Tanker Units grant opportunity (D24AS00253)?

It is a discretionary federal grant program intended to help small U.S. communities strengthen their ability to respond to fast-moving, high-intensity wildland fires by funding the purchase of slip-on tanker units.

What problem is this program trying to address?

The opportunity is aimed at improving local wildfire response capacity in the context of increasing wildfire risk and intensity associated with climate change, including the overlap of extreme heat, drought, and elevated fire danger that can overwhelm local resources and lead to significant losses.

What does the grant fund?

The funding specifically supports the purchase of slip-on tanker units: modular water tanks and pump systems that can be mounted onto compatible vehicles to rapidly convert them into functional firefighting apparatus.

What is a slip-on tanker unit?

A slip-on tanker unit is a modular system (typically a water tank and pump) designed to be mounted on a compatible vehicle so that the vehicle can be used as firefighting equipment when needed.

Why is the program focused on slip-on tanker units instead of other equipment?

The stated intent is to help local governments build or expand adaptable fleets that can be converted quickly during emergencies, improving initial attack speed, operational flexibility, and overall wildland firefighting readiness.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S. local governments that provide fire protection and other emergency services and can demonstrate a need for slip-on tanker units to improve wildland firefighting preparedness within their service area.

Is there a population limit for eligible applicants?

Yes. The applicant must serve a location with a population of 25,000 or less. This restriction is intended to focus funding on smaller jurisdictions.

Can an applicant serving more than 25,000 people apply?

Based on the opportunity description provided, the program requires that the applicant serve a location with a population of 25,000 or less. Applicants should rely on the full announcement for how population served must be documented and assessed.

What kinds of services must the applicant provide?

The applicant must be a local government that provides fire protection and other emergency services.

What must applicants show to demonstrate need?

The opportunity states applicants must be able to demonstrate a need for slip-on tanker units to improve wildland firefighting preparedness within their service area. The full announcement should be used to confirm what form of needs documentation is required.

Do the slip-on tanker units have to meet specific requirements?

Yes. The slip-on tanker units purchased with these funds must meet minimum required specifications described in the opportunity materials (referenced as Attachment 1 in the announcement).

Where are the required slip-on tanker unit specifications listed?

The required minimum specifications are referenced as Attachment 1 in the announcement materials.

How does an applicant prove the equipment will meet the required specifications?

The opportunity indicates applicants should be prepared to show that the equipment they intend to buy complies with the baseline technical and safety requirements. The full announcement governs exactly how compliance must be demonstrated.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is up to $200,000 per award.

Is this a competitive or formula grant?

It is described as a discretionary federal grant program, which generally indicates awards are made based on an application and review process rather than a formula distribution.

Which federal law is this program associated with?

The program is rooted in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), enacted in November 2021.

Which agency is administering or awarding this grant?

The awarding agency is listed as the Interior Business Center under the U.S. Department of the Interior.

What is the funding activity category and CFDA number?

The funding activity category is Disaster Prevention and Relief, and it is listed under CFDA 15.088.

What is the application deadline?

The opportunity lists an original application closing date of June 4, 2024.

When was this opportunity posted?

The posting was created on February 6, 2024.

Are allowable costs and required application components specified here?

No. The provided summary notes that applicants should rely on the full announcement for the exact requirements on allowable costs, application components, evaluation criteria, and documentation requirements.

What information in the full announcement is especially important to review?

The summary highlights these areas as critical: allowable costs, application components, evaluation criteria, documentation of population served, and how compliance with the required specifications (Attachment 1) must be demonstrated.

What outcomes is the program trying to improve for communities?

The intent is to improve initial attack speed, operational flexibility, and overall wildland firefighting readiness, helping communities respond more effectively to high-intensity wildland fires.

What risks or impacts does the opportunity description mention as justification for the program?

It cites the potential for major economic losses, damage to natural and cultural resources, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and loss of life when wildfire behavior exceeds local response capabilities.