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| The Kissell Amendment |
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Last week, Representative Larry Kissell from North Carolina submitted and had passed an amendment to the House Stimulus Bill that would apply the Berry/Hayes buy American amendment to the Department of Homeland Security procurement rules. The GAC asked its consultant, Dave Gatton, to review this amendment and give us more detail as to what its impact might be to our businesses. Please note that the Senate version of the Stimulus package has not included the Berry/Hayes provision as of Friday (2/6) at 4:30PM EST. We have no idea if the Senate bill is passed what will happen in conference committee, but we will keep you updated. The attachment that Dave Gatton refers to below will be posted on the GAC website (www.famafemsagac.org/govt_resources.html). If you have any questions concerning the memo please address them to info@femsa.org or info@fama.org.
MEMORANDUM
FROM Dave Gatton, GAC Consultant
RE: The Kissell Amendment
Rep. Kissell (NC) successfully offered an amendment to H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, that would apply the current Department of Defense "Berry Amendment" purchasing rules for uniforms and textiles to the Department of Homeland Security. The Kissell amendment is known as the Berry Amendment Extension Act and is now part of the House-passed bill.
Specifically, the provision would bar the procurement of the following items unless they were "grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States." The items must be "directly related to the national security interests of the United States": Clothing and the materials and components thereof, other than sensors, electronics, or other items added to, and not normally associated with, clothing (and the materials and components thereof); Tents, tarpaulins, or covers; Cotton and other natural fiber products, woven silk or woven silk blends, spun silk yarn for cartridge cloth, synthetic fabric or coated synthetic fabric, canvas products, or wool; any item of individual equipment manufactured from or containing such fibers, yarns, fabrics, or materials.
Exceptions to these buy American requirements include: An availability provision, whereby the Secretary of DHS can determine that an item is not available when needed; Purchases of the above referenced items for amounts not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold referred to in section 2304(g) of title 10, United States Code. Our research indicates that this threshold is $100,000. (We have attached a copy of 2304(g) and the definition of "simplified acquisition threshold")
The amendment applies to contracts and subcontracts for commercial items notwithstanding section 34 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act
(41 U.S.C. 430) which we have also attached.
The bottom line is the following: If DHS procures from your company the above referenced items, your company may be impacted if this provision becomes law. To our knowledge the Senate bill, which is currently being debated on the Senate floor, does not include a companion to the Kissell amendment.
Assuming the Senate bill passes today or over the weekend, the House and Senate will begin a conference committee to iron out the differences between the two bills next week.")
During the floor debate, Rep. David Price indicated his support for the measure, but voiced reservations regarding the fact that the provision applied to 100% of the covered items. We are currently monitoring the status of his concerns and the Senate floor debate.
We recommend that FEMSA and FAMA members be notified of this amendment so they can determine its potential effect on their operations. We also ask that members read directly the attachments, which include the full text of the amendment, certain of its references to the United States Code, and the House floor debate.
The Kissell Amendment attachment (pdf)
Source: DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES, INC.
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Application Period Open:
Fiscal Year 2008 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants
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The Department of Homeland Security has posted the FY2008 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants Program Guidance on the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program Website. The application period is scheduled to begin on February 2, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Applications for these grants must be received by March 6, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The grants are competitive, and their primary goal is to target high-risk populations. Grant awards are made in order to mitigate high incidences of death and injury and to carry out research for improving firefighter safety. Examples of the types of fire prevention projects that are supported by FP&S include smoke alarm installation, fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile fire setter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs. Organizations that are eligible to apply under the research activity should consult the Program Guidance for detailed information on priorities and areas of emphasis.
An applicant tutorial for the fire prevention activity will be available through the www.firegrantsupport.com Website. The tutorial will provide you with valuable grant information and will walk you through the preparation and submittal of competitive applications. In addition, the applicant tutorial will provide an overview of the fire prevention funding priorities and evaluation criteria. Applicants who have questions regarding the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants opportunity should contact the help desk as soon as possible at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST), but is prepared to revise hours of operation based on volume, demand, holidays and urgency to complete the FP&S Grants application period and processing for FY08.
The AFG Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration.
FY08 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants Program Guidance - visit www.firegrantsupport.com/fps/guidance/.
FY08 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants FAQs -
visit www.firegrantsupport.com/fps/faq/08/.
Source: DHS
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Challenges of the Rural and Volunteer Fire Service
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There are fundamental differences in the nature of the rural fire problem compared to the U.S. fire problem as a whole. Additionally, the rural and volunteer fire service has unique challenges not faced by their career counterparts, e.g., large minimally populated areas to provide protection and service, often no guarantee of staffing levels, water supply challenges, lack of population to provide a revenue or tax base to support service, etc.
To support you, USFA has developed a dedicated Web page on Rural and Volunteer Fire Department Resources.
Read More »
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USFA and NVFC Release Updated Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
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Emmitsburg, MD - The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), working with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), has issued a revised Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services (PDF, 2.1 Mb). The Health and Wellness Guide now provides updated information on health and wellness issues, trends, and programs focused on the needs of the volunteer fire service. The document addresses fitness including aerobic exercise, flexibility, strength training, diet; smoking cessation; and other areas that will have a positive impact on volunteer firefighters.
"This partnership to improve the health and wellness of the volunteer fire service will support reducing the primary cause of on-duty deaths in the volunteer fire service - heart attack and stress," said Acting Assistant Administrator Dr. Denis Onieal. "Effective health and wellness programs will also be expected to contribute to operational effectiveness of volunteer fire departments as well as serve as a valuable retention and recruitment instrument."
The prevalence of cardiovascular illness and deaths and work-inhibiting strains and sprains among firefighters illustrates the need for a comprehensive health and wellness program in every department. Yet department leaders often struggle to implement a program due to a variety of reasons, including resistance or lack of motivation from members, the costs associated with implementing a program, and the lack of well-defined requirements.
"With heart attack, overexertion, and strain causing more firefighter deaths and injuries than any other cause, it is critically important for departments and personnel to focus on health and wellness," said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. "The NVFC is pleased to partner with the USFA to create a guide to help departments develop life-saving health and wellness initiatives and overcome the obstacles to a successful program."
The Health and Wellness Guide demonstrates ways to overcome these obstacles, and provides direction for developing and implementing a department program. It also highlights several existing health and wellness programs and how they have maintained their success over time. Originally released in 1992 and updated several times, the 2009 version includes new information and resources to help departments ensure the health and well-being of their members.
The Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services also provides the most current information on how volunteer fire departments can enhance compliance with appropriate National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter Health and Safety Standards such as NFPA Standard 1583 - Health Related Fitness Programs for Fire Fighters.
For more information on all USFA programs and activities, visit the USFA Web site.
Source: Fire Grant Support
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Secretary Visits DHS Component Leaders and Employees: Receives briefings and speaks with employees at TSA, USCIS, and ICE
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Secretary Janet Napolitano talks with employees Jan. 26 at TSA headquarters. Photo by Michael Simons, TSA
Secretary Janet Napolitano last week continued her introductory visits with DHS component leaders and employees. On Monday, she visited with leaders and employees at TSA, on Tuesday visited USCIS, and paid a visit to ICE on Thursday. During her visits, the secretary received briefings, made remarks, and discussed issues with employees at each of the components.
The secretary started her week with a visit at TSA headquarters in Arlington, Va. After being introduced by Acting TSA Administrator Gale Rossides, she thanked employees for "the enormous amount of work that's been done to date to stand up TSA, particularly in the aviation area. She added later, "You've got a very important and delicate role to play, because if people are afraid, they won't travel. ...So part of our job is to make sure that people have a comfort factor with us and they know there is safety in traveling." She also engaged in a dialogue with employees during the town-hall format meeting.
During her visit at USCIS, Napolitano addressed a standing-room-only crowd of employees. In her remarks, she told employees that the work they are doing is critical to the overall mission of the department. She commended USCIS employees on the work completed during the past year, said that she is looking forward to helping USCIS become even greater, and encouraged employees to come forward with any suggestions for improvements. "Ideas, suggestions, and thoughts are greatly received in my office as all work towards our overall goal," she said. Following her presentation, the secretary spoke with members of the national media and then adjourned for a meeting with USCIS Executive Leadership.
On Thursday, the secretary received briefings from leaders of the various offices and operations at ICE. She also received a briefing about ICE's latest recruiting efforts, including its partnership with historically black colleges and universities, and its efforts to hire veterans and persons with disabilities. At the end of her briefings, she talked with employees and took questions from the media. Before her departure, the secretary met and greeted ICE employees, many of whom expressed their appreciation to her for taking the time to come and meet with them.
Source: DHS
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Register Early for the Fire Service PPE Symposium
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Early bird discount registration for the inaugural Fire Service PPE Symposium ends on February 15. Enrollment for the Symposium is limited to 300, and organizers expect to reach capacity soon. Register now to ensure you receive the discount and to secure your place at this event. Read full article.
Source: NVFC
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Operation Respond Promotes Wireless Applications for Responders
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Operation Respond Institute, Inc. (ORI), a nonprofit organization specializing in software that links on-scene emergency responders and the major North American railroads, is working to identify and deploy new wireless technology applications for the fire and emergency services. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) will provide first responder feedback regarding what additional or enhanced databases, information, and related software aids could help volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel perform their duties more safely and efficiently. Read full article.
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| The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities:
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Name: Jarrett Little
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 24
Gender: Male
Status: Paid-On-Call
Years of Service: 6
Date of Incident: 12/31/2008
Time of Incident: 2110hrs
Date of Death: 12/31/2008
Fire Department: Walker County Fire and Rescue
Address: 7249 N Highway 27, Rock Spring, GA 30739-2363(USNG: 16S FD 60879 54524)
Fire Department Chief: Randy Camp
Incident Description: Firefighter Little was responding to a chimney fire. While making a turn, the apparatus hit a pole and flipped. Little was entrapped with two others. He was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Funeral Arrangements: January 5, 2009
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In honor of Firefighter Little, donations may be sent to the Walker County Fire and Rescue, 7249 N Highway 27, Rock Spring, GA 30739-2363
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Little at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Mark Bradley Davis
Rank: Firefighter-EMT
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 2
Date of Incident: 01/30/2009
Time of Incident: 2358hrs
Date of Death: 01/31/2009
Fire Department: Cape Vincent Volunteer Fire Department
Address: PO Box 609, 241 E Broadway, Cape Vincent, NY 13618 (USNG: 18T UP 9315 8697)
Fire Department Chief: Joseph Gould
Incident Description: Firefighter-EMT Davis and three other emergency services personnel were at a residence treating an individual when the patient became agitated and retrieved a high powered rifle from a bedroom. As the emergency personnel were retreating from the residence, the patient allegedly fired two rounds, one striking and killing Firefighter-EMT Davis.
Incident Location: 114 South Esseltyne St., Cape Vincent, NY 13618 (USNG: 18T UP 9335 8703)
Funeral Arrangements: Viewing will be 02/06/2009 from 1200-2100hrs at the Cape Vincent United Methodist Church, 260 E. Broadway St., Cape Vincent, NY 13618. The Funeral Service will take place on 02/07/2009 at the Thousand Islands Central School at 8481 County Route 9, Cape Vincent, NY, 13618. The service will begin at 1300hrs.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Mark Davis Memorial Fund, c/o Citizens Bank of Cape Vincent, PO Box 277, Cape Vincent, NY 13618 (www.citizensbankofcapevincent.com)
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter-EMT Mark Bradley Davis at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: William Gray Parsons
Rank: Engineer
Age: 58
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 20
Date of Incident: 01/31/2009
Time of Incident: 2330hrs
Date of Death: 02/01/2009
Fire Department: Millers Creek Fire Department
Address: PO Box 829, 5200 Boone TRL, Millers Creek, NC 28651 (USNG: 17SMA77820478)
Fire Department Chief: Jason Smithey
Fire Department Website: www.millerscreekfire.com
Incident Description: Upon arrival to the scene of a residential structure fire, Engineer Parsons, the apparatus operator, complained to a fellow firefighter that he was not feeling well and was experiencing serious discomfort in his chest. Engineer Parsons then reportedly slumped over the steering wheel of the apparatus. He was treated by paramedics on the scene then transported to Wilkes Regional Medical Center. He was then taken to the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center via Air Care where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.
Incident Location: Amelia Drive (USNG: 17S MA 7952 0019)
Funeral Arrangements: Visitation will be at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, 270 Armory Road, North Wilkesboro, NC, on 02/05/2009 from 1800-2000hrs. Funeral will be held at Millers Creek Baptist Church (www.millerscreekbaptist.org), 5100 Boone TRL, Millers Creek, NC, on 02/06/2009 at 1130hrs with graveside service to follow at Stony Hill Baptist Church in Parsonsville, NC.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Memorials to the Gray Parsons Memorial Fund can be made through any North Carolina State Employees Credit Union (www.ncsecu.org).
Tribute is being paid to Engineer William Gray Parsons at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
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