Target Hardening

In this section, describe the proposed target hardening activity, including the total Federal funds requested, that addresses the identified threat or vulnerability. Allowable costs are focused on target hardening activities as well as security-related training courses and programs limited to the protection of critical infrastructure key resources, including physical and cyber security, target hardening, and terrorism awareness/employee preparedness. Funding can also be used for the acquisition and installation of security equipment on real property (including buildings and improvements) owned or leased by the nonprofit organization, specifically in prevention of and/or in protection against the risk of a terrorist attack.

The NSGP will only reimburse your organization for specific categories of equipment and training. This equipment is limited to two categories of items on the 2012 Authorized Equipment List (AEL):

  • Physical Security Enhancement Equipment (AEL Category 14)
  • Inspection and Screening Systems (AEL Category 15

The description must identify the respective AEL category for all requested equipment. (2,200 character limit not including spaces) Target hardening activity and impact address prevention of, protection against, and/or mitigation of the identified risk(s). Out of 40 points, this section is worth 8 possible points.

The grants do not pay for construction but will cover all expenses directly related to installation (e.g., running wiring for CCTV systems, installation of high impact doors). Make sure that you identify the respective AEL category for all requested equipment. For example, a typical project might include the hardening of outside doors. That entire project might include the following:

  • Doors and Gates, Impact Resistant Reinforced doors and gates with increased resistance to external impact for increased physical security and to withstand an assault by a determined intruder. (14SW-01-DOOR);
  • Physical Access Control Locking devices and entry systems to improve access control to facility. 14SW-01-PACS. This item can include all of the hardware for the doors, the door release (buzzer) system and an intercom.
  • In addition, you might want a CCTV camera to be used to screen visitors (rather than to detect hostile surveillance) on the front door. This can be listed here or as a component of a broader CCTV plan.

Training (AEL Category 21).

Limitations. Nonprofit organization personnel may use NSGP funds to attend security-related training courses and programs that cover specific, identified vulnerabilities.  Allowable training-related costs under NSGP are limited to attendance fees for the training, and related expenses of such items as materials, supplies, and/or equipment. Overtime, backfill, and/or travel expenses are not allowable costs.

Types of training. Approved training topics are limited to the protection of critical infrastructure key resources, including physical and cyber security, target hardening, and terrorism awareness/employee preparedness. Training conducted using NSGP funds must address a specific threat and/or vulnerability, as identified in the nonprofit’s Investment Justification. Think about offering "Security Awareness" and "Detecting Hostile Surveillance" (both specific courses covered under the general categories of physical security and target hardening) courses for your entire staff along with courses on evacuation, lockdowns and access control. The training offerings may be offered on or off-site.

Pre-approval requirement. Proposed attendance at training courses and all associated costs leveraging the NSGP must be included in the nonprofit organization’s Investment Justification. New York nonprofits should note: any training attendance, to include curricula, requires prior approval by the New York State Office of Homeland Security.

Benefits of training. Well designed training modules can be a cost-effective method of significantly enhancing your security. CCTV systems can assist police to solve a crime. That is a positve outcome. However, the potential for well-trained staffers monitoring the system detecting someone planning an attack is enhanced by training and an even better outcome..

Creating your project budget and your grant request

The exact costs for your project will be established after your application is approved and you sign a contract with the New York State Office of Homeland Security. The Investment Justification and the E-Grant system merely require reasonable "ball park" estimates. Some experienced professionals can provide you with such estimates after they complete your vulnerability assessment. You may also want to call a vendor to get an estimate.

Speaking with vendors, they consider giving estimates as a natural cost of doing business. Some might want to come to your site in order to see the general conditions in order to give you a better estimate. Remember: New York State requires specific bidding processes. At this juncture, you may not promise anyone anything other than: should your application be approved you will notify them and give them an opportunity to bid on the project.

Scoring

You want to provide a thorough description of how the proposed target hardening activity will mitigate the identified risk(s)

Your target hardening strategy

The 8 points available for this section equal 20% of the total possible score. It’s important so keep some things in mind:

  • Think about the impact of your choices. Select equipment that will best mitigate probable risks or those with the most dire potential consequences.
  • Consider the whole picture. CCTV systems are great. CCTV systems with DVR’s that include the right features (e.g., they only record when there is motion, making checking a playback easier) are better. Cameras with "pan, zoom, tilt" capability allow you to check out a suspicious situation without leaving your facility.
  • Focus on likely threats and high impact potential consequences.

Check out how to answer other sections of the Investment Justification by clicking the index to the left.