dear john

[plongsfd17]

We just got our DJ at 9:00 cst. what a bummer. Time to start again! What a bummer on Valentines day.

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

Well at least they're putting it out now so time to polish for 2008. Everyone denied today scored very well, there just wasn't enough money this year. Which means don't throw it out, polish it up and submit for 2008. Sometimes it takes more competitive apps to get funded first so they are out of our way for next year.

[ncfpd1]

"It is not possible for us to provide a detailed account of how each individual application was rated in the competitive process. However, we can tell you that a panel of your fire service peers reviewed your application. Using the information that you provided throughout your application, the panelists assigned scores to four elements of your application narrative: 1) clarity of the project description, 2) demonstration of financial need, 3) demonstration of benefits to be derived from the grant funds and 4) affect on daily operations. The peer review panel's scores indicate that your application was generally good and above average in all four elements, i.e., there was some information that was useful, but not sufficiently compelling to be considered for funding on its written merits. A full description of the application review process is included in the Program Guidance."

One good thing... my work for the 2008 application is just about complete.

[wtfd2940]

Below is the DJ I recieved for a brush truck. If my app was so horrible why did I just get a DJ today??????




It is not possible for us to provide a detailed account of how each individual
application was rated in the competitive process. However, we can tell you that a panel of your fire service peers reviewed your
application. Using the information that you provided throughout your
application, the panelists assigned scores to four elements of your application
narrative: 1) clarity of the project description, 2) demonstration of financial
need, 3) demonstration of benefits to be derived from the grant funds and 4)
affect on daily operations. The peer review panelists found that there were
sever discrepancies between your itemized request and the narrative
justification for those items. Because of the inconsistent information
provided, the panelists' scored all four of these elements too low to be
considered for funding.

[ktb9780]

Well I thought the other shoe would drop this week so, it is official the "Fat Lady has Sang". As Brian and I have pointed out numerous times; too many, apps, too little money! Nobody who recives this letter today shodlbe disappointed at all! You made it to the very end, you just came up a little shy of the finish line. Remember those that won are not competition to you in 08. Review, update staitstics and turn it back in! Chin up folks, not everyone makes it every year; persistence pays off.;)

[EPCHIEF42]

Here is the one I got, did recieve FO grant round 1 but a long wait from there. I am 4/6 on the program so no worries for me, better luck next year as they say!

It is not possible for us to provide a detailed account of how each individual application was rated in the competitive process. However, we can tell you that a panel of your fire service peers reviewed your application. Using the information that you provided throughout your application, the panelists assigned scores to four elements of your application narrative: 1) clarity of the project description, 2) demonstration of financial need, 3) demonstration of benefits to be derived from the grant funds and 4) affect on daily operations. The peer review panel's scores indicate that your application was generally good, but it was determined that your existing fleet of vehicles was sufficient to adequately respond to your department's call volume.
The work already done to support your FY 2007 AFG application could be a useful resource for any future requests for assistance that your department may submit. I encourage you to keep a copy of your application for your records. You may be able to use it as a reference for a future grant program, or even share it with your community as the basis for and outline of a strategic plan for the enhancement of your department. Please check our website often at www.firegrantsupport.com for information on the grant program and for future funding opportunities.
Your interest in this program clearly demonstrates the need and resourcefulness of America's fire service. The Department of Homeland Security will continue to work closely with fire service organizations to support the vital work of our nation's firefighters.
Thank you again for your dedication and commitment.
Sincerely,


Thanks

[7Stones]

Dag nab it!! After all this waiting and so many round of DJs...

Looks like we will join the "not-so-happy-with-valentine's-day" crowd.

The explanation of our rejection read:

"The peer review panel's scores indicate that your application was generally worthy of an award except for the lack of sufficiently compelling information to demonstrate that requested project would have a positive impact on your department's daily operations."

I sure wish I would have attended Kurt's seminar in 2006.

I kind of figured this was coming.

Looks like SCBA in the 2008 grant!!!

[ktb9780]

Dag nab it!! After all this waiting and so many round of DJs...

Looks like we will join the "not-so-happy-with-valentine's-day" crowd.

I kind of figured this was coming.

Looks the SCBA in the 2008 grant!!!

Jon I was so hopeful for you but, you were right on the cusp and I had many, many clients get the "supplemental round" funding . Revamp, revise, update and resubmit!;)

[7Stones]

Kurt,

Does that mean all the supplemental round $$ has been awarded? Or at least the departments who qualified for supplemental money have been notified that they are in a pool waiting for departments to close out their grants? I always wondered how that works.

I am already moving forward. I will have all my ducks in a row for 2008 long before the grant window even opens this year. Don't get me wrong, today's news still stings but there is no time for sitting around and licking wounds.

Jon

[ktb9780]

Kurt,

Does that mean all the supplemental round $$ has been awarded? Or at least the departments who qualified for supplemental money have been notified that they are in a pool waiting for departments to close out their grants? I always wondered how that works.

I am already moving forward. I will have all my ducks in a row for 2008 long before the grant window even opens this year. Don't get me wrong, today's news still stings but there is no time for sitting around and licking wounds.

Jon

Supplemental rounds come out as various departments refuse grants because they don't have the matching dollars, or from cost savings that are turned back in, so it can be an extended process. We had people getting supplemental round funding in the first few rounds of 07 funding this year and no way of knowing exactly how much, if any, money will be there. There is usually a few rounds of supplementsals each year though. Hang in there. I like your attitutde; never say die!:)

[4caster]

Here is the one I got, did recieve FO grant round 1 but a long wait from there. I am 4/6 on the program so no worries for me, better luck next year as they say!

It is not possible for us to provide a detailed account of how each individual application was rated in the competitive process. However, we can tell you that a panel of your fire service peers reviewed your application. Using the information that you provided throughout your application, the panelists assigned scores to four elements of your application narrative: 1) clarity of the project description, 2) demonstration of financial need, 3) demonstration of benefits to be derived from the grant funds and 4) affect on daily operations. The peer review panel's scores indicate that your application was generally good, but it was determined that your existing fleet of vehicles was sufficient to adequately respond to your department's call volume.


EP, you and I are in the same boat. Got a FO grant first round and got the same dj letter this morning. We now know what they want, all we need to do is emphasis those areas for next year. We already have more runs, and a big argument for this year, so I am looking forward to the process. AFG seminar next week to hear what's new, and I hope everything from this year stays in place.

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

Unless your denial said you're eligible for excess funds that's not inside the realm of possible.

Also remember that denials are relative based on your scores versus the average of awarded apps. They're written by the computer pulling phrases from a database, so they're accurate but not really dead-on.

[pb146fd]

Mine was ops grant. They noted cost/benefit as low....

It is not possible for us to provide a detailed account of how each individual application was rated in the competitive process. However, we can tell you that a panel of your fire service peers reviewed your application. Using the information that you provided throughout your application, the panelists assigned scores to four elements of your application narrative: 1) clarity of the project description, 2) demonstration of financial need, 3) demonstration of benefits to be derived from the grant funds and 4) affect on daily operations. The peer review panel's scores indicate that your application was generally worthy of an award except for the lack of sufficiently compelling information on the cost/benefit of the project that your department wished to fund. A full description of the application review process is included in the Program Guidance.

Like you say, work on it and try again.

[accesslocks]

Well....add me to the list of DJ recipients for our FO grant application....thank god I'm heading to Waterford, MI for one of Kurts seminars. One last drink to help ease the pain!! Jon, will I be meeting you in Waterford?

[dday05]

Just got our DJ letter as well. It is very discouraging and upsetting... You know I still don't get why we have to have paperwork just right to get a grant on something you need. If you need the equipment you need the equipment. I don't get a dept with over a 11 million dollar budget getting a grant but oh well. As some have stated polish up the grant from last year for this year and maybe we will be golden. Sorry for bitching...

[sarg77]

:confused: DJ also !!Thought it was strong enough ! Have to take a couple steps back and try for turn out gear and washer again. It is our number #1 need. Not so Happy Valentines Day here :(
Good luck the the rest of you !!

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

It's not what the budget it, it's where it goes. One of the major misconceptions that causes more denials than anything else. I have a client with a $25mil budget. 98% personnel costs, and hasn't bought a new set of gear since 1999 and has over 120 FFs.

We all have to get the paperwork right because it's competitive. More apps than money means the greatest needs get met, and sometimes it ain't us. Sucks, but such is life. So that why we need to lobby for the program to go beyond 2010 since we only have 3 app periods left for equipment and vehicles otherwise. And also lobby for more money. If we were at the $750mil mark in 2007 AFG all of the denials from today would have probably been awarded instead.

[jasnic0510]

Just received the follow dj and just a little weird that it took this long to say I have adequate equipment. This was for a tanker tender.







It is not possible for us to provide a detailed account of how each individual
application was rated in the competitive process. However, we can tell you that a
panel of your fire service peers reviewed your application. Using the information
that you provided throughout your application, the panelists assigned scores to four
elements of your application narrative: 1) clarity of the project description, 2)
demonstration of financial need, 3) demonstration of benefits to be derived from the
grant funds and 4) affect on daily operations. The peer review panel's scores
indicate that your application was generally good, but it was determined that your
existing fleet of vehicles was sufficient to adequately respond to your department's
call volume.

[7Stones]

accesslocks I wish I could attend again. I went through Kurt's seminar in September in Milwaukee. It was really worthwhile. While Waterford is Michigan, according to Google Maps it is 531 miles from my home. Ouch! I only wish I knew last year what I know now. I hope you enjoy the training. Buy a round for Kurt for me, would you? I hope next year we can both be enjoying the winner's circle.

Jon

[ChiefSTN20]

I received my DJ for the regional SCBA request.

[7Stones]

jasnic0510 how old was the apparatus you were trying to replace? I am writing to replace a 1981 Ford with tons of mechanical trouble. When I see AFG's response to your request I wonder what made the difference? We have a 1987 Dodge light rescue, a 1993 Chevy Kodiak pumper, and a 1981 Ford pumper.

At least you made it this far in the FV category. That seems encouraging. The FV side of the 2007 grant seemed especially competitive this year.

I wish you all the best on your 2008 grant.

[TEMS7401]

What a Valentine!

DJ: The peer review panel's scores indicate that your application was generally good and above average in all four elements, i.e., there was some information that was useful, but not sufficiently compelling to be considered for funding on its written merits.

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

7500 apps for 700 awards makes it real tight. There was a 56% jump in vehicle apps over last year since everyone could put in two apps. Same will occur this year.

[LVFD301]

Ok - I am confused as hell here.

I got this one....

On behalf of the Grant Programs Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), I would like to thank you for applying for a grant under the Fiscal Year 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Unfortunately, we were unable to process your application because the activity requested is not eligible for funding. We recommend that you review your application and compare your request to the Program Guidance for 2007.



FOR TICS? For each area fire department? Every department got one?

I also thought that if they made it this far, we were past the technical stuff, and into financing?

The thumping noise you hear is my head on my desk

[hffd23m2]

:cool: :cool: I keep hitting my head on the door frame but it still dosen't feel any better. What the heck. We were this close. Do say we are disapointed would be an understatement. OOOwell back to the pencil sharpener.

[bkjk10]

Does this mean that I asked for to much money for the number of calls that our company responds to or did I not explain it well enough on why it cost what it was going to cost? We were asking for gear, scba upgrades and track pak system. I know that it is a shopping cart of items but to make it this far and for them to say that it was cost/benefit kind of puzzels me. Should I only ask for gear next year?

It is not possible for us to provide a detailed account of how each individual application was rated in the competitive process. However, we can tell you that a panel of your fire service peers reviewed your application. Using the information that you provided throughout your application, the panelists assigned scores to four elements of your application narrative: 1) clarity of the project description, 2) demonstration of financial need, 3) demonstration of benefits to be derived from the grant funds and 4) affect on daily operations. The peer review panel's scores indicate that your application was generally worthy of an award except for the lack of sufficiently compelling information on the cost/benefit of the project that your department wished to fund. A full description of the application review process is included in the Program Guidance.

The work already done to support your FY 2007 AFG application could be a useful resource for any future requests for assistance that your department may submit. I encourage you to keep a copy of your application for your records. You may be able to use it as a reference for a future grant program, or even share it with your community as the basis for and outline of a strategic plan for the enhancement of your department. Please check our website often at www.firegrantsupport.com for information on the grant program and for future funding opportunities.

[jasnic0510]

The apparatus replacing was our only tanker and was a 1981 International cab over semi converted from military with 1250 water tank. After I wrote the grant the vehicle was removed from service due to my research and an incident that happened in Utah with same style of apparatus. Has lap belts only and was converted. Probably helped in scoring. I think they saw that we had two other Engines that were fairly new that hurt us the most.

Kurt and Brian,
Our two engines are in the 2000 year range. Did this kill me on the tender and will this have any effect if I switch to a brush/attack?

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

If both pumpers are newer than 2000 the unasked question is why buy the 2nd one if you needed a tanker instead. Especially if replacing one that you just took out of service, not too unreasonable to think that truck wasn't safe at the time the 2nd pumper was ordered. So the challenge question is why now? That might need to be the answer to the unasked question for the 2008 narrative. Changes happen and are required, but in the grant world we need to address why now when it could have been changed before.

Not sure how you got that one Blake, the metric for regionals is if everyone can get a piece of something, and that's from DHS. TICs were not ruled out as regional projects last year. Looks like someone clicked the wrong box on your app.

BK, yes, packs and gear are two projects so that hurt any cost-benefit argument you had.

[CordovaFire]

We got turned down for our brush truck as well. Mentioned we had adequate vehicles to handle this request. If so, how did we make it this far. I am not complaining though, We got 122K FO this year, with a small laundry list. 7 out of 9 aint bad in this game. Have to tweak my app and try again. See everyone in the next few months to start the next waiting game. :D

[onebugle]

Based on what has been posted, there is still at least one more round of DJ's. Those that scored well, but did not make it into the funding.

[Capt790]

Well we're in the DJ club for our SCBA request as well.

The peer review panel's scores indicate that your application was generally worthy of an award except for the lack of sufficiently compelling
information on the cost/benefit of the project that your department
wished to fund.

We have old SCBA that are failing, are from three different manufacturers, don't meet current NFPA, etc. If we try to replace a few every year we still have the same problems!

How can they not see the cost/benefit? :confused: :mad:

[onebugle]

Ok - I am confused as hell here.

I got this one....

On behalf of the Grant Programs Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), I would like to thank you for applying for a grant under the Fiscal Year 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Unfortunately, we were unable to process your application because the activity requested is not eligible for funding. We recommend that you review your application and compare your request to the Program Guidance for 2007.



FOR TICS? For each area fire department? Every department got one?

I also thought that if they made it this far, we were past the technical stuff, and into financing?

The thumping noise you hear is my head on my desk

The PG states:

As such, the only activities available for application under a regional project are training and equipment acquisition that positively affect interoperability.

In general, equipment purchased as a result of a regional project will be physically distributed to all the departments that are beneficiaries of the project. This physical distribution of the equipment to other first responder organizations is the single characteristic that distinguishes regional projects from non-regional requests that have an impact on a region via mutual aid.

Examples of viable regional projects would be a multi-jurisdictional communications system or standardization of breathing apparatus. As stated above, regional projects should be designed to address issues of interoperability among multiple jurisdictions.

Maybe they figured it did not address the issues of interoperability adequately. Just thinking out loud.:confused:

[SLY4420]

Did anyone receive a supplemental funding notification DJ today?

Lost my last AFG today with a "generally good and above average in all four elements, i.e., there was some information that was useful, but not sufficiently compelling to be considered for funding on its written merits."

Oh well, hopefully FP&S is around the corner.

[chief41]

5th year in a row, trying to replace a 1970 mack engine with loads of problems. we got the "existing fleet of vehicles was sufficient to adequately respond to your department's call volume."
We also have a 94 Ford engine, problem being it only has a 3 man cab, and neither engine has any foam capabilities. So next year if we were to write the grant for a new engine to replace both pieces would that increase our odds?
Any input would be appreciated!

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

I didn't read all of them (yet), but seems like most were close but no cigar messages. I don't know if any excess fund statements were made.

[onebugle]

Based on what was posted, the "You did great, but ran out of funding" DJ's are still to come.

[jhl81791123]

Chief accesslocks,

I got DJ'd too. 2nd year in a row for me. See you here in Waterford. Bring your rejected narrative. I am going to showcase mine.

Kurt, HELP!!! I am going to sing the blues at the Karaoke machine.

John Lyman

[tdpearce]

Got our DJ letter yesterday as well

[lfdmichael]

Last DJ's for me too. All 3 were SCBA projects. All lacking in cost benefit.
An 1199 for a SAFER waiting to get awarded (my first!!) is all that's left for 07.
Going to the AFG workshop next week. New year and new rules or same old same old?

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

Most should stay the same, but we'll never know until we know.

[br2211]

we also been dj but we have BC79er working on a double win for 2008!

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

I'm all for that. Quite a pile of doubles this year and I'm up for repeating happy traditions. :)

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

Double post removed

[Greenacres2]

Sort of pulled your own double there Brian--at least with the post!! :D

earl