Securing the Cities Program, 2020 STC Sustainment | DHS ST 20 106 STC 0001

Securing the Cities (STC) Program - 2020 STC Sustainment: Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the Securing the Cities (STC) Program?

The Securing the Cities (STC) Program is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) effort focused on preventing terrorist attacks and other high-consequence incidents involving nuclear or radiological materials. It strengthens a region's ability to detect radiological/nuclear (R/N) materials early, coordinate an effective response, and connect local detection activities to a broader national detection architecture.

2) What is the 2020 STC Sustainment grant opportunity?

The 2020 STC Sustainment opportunity is a DHS cooperative agreement intended to keep strong R/N detection capabilities in place within high-risk urban areas (HRUAs). It is designed specifically to sustain and preserve capabilities that have already been built under prior STC cooperative agreements, rather than establishing new STC sites.

3) Is this funding meant for new cities or first-time STC applicants?

No. Eligibility is limited. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is not an open competition for new cities or new lead organizations. It targets jurisdictions that already participated in STC and have previously been awarded STC cooperative agreements.

4) Who is eligible to apply for the 2020 STC Sustainment funding?

Only previously awarded lead agencies under Securing the Cities cooperative agreements may apply. The NOFO describes the applicant as the lead agency, reflecting that one primary entity coordinates regional partners and implementation.

5) What is the primary purpose of the sustainment funding described in this NOFO?

The key sustainment need emphasized is recapitalization: replacing or refreshing R/N detection equipment that has reached the end of its expected usable life cycle. The intent is to prevent gaps in coverage or capability as equipment ages out.

6) What does "recapitalization" mean in the context of this NOFO?

Recapitalization refers to the replacement or refresh of radiological and nuclear detection equipment that is at or near the end of its expected usable life cycle. In practical terms, it is about ensuring the region continues to have functioning, reliable detection tools over time.

7) Besides equipment replacement, what else can sustainment funds support?

In addition to recapitalization, the funding can support continued operation of a Regional Program Office. The Regional Program Office serves as the management and coordination backbone that helps keep a multi-agency detection program operating across a region.

8) Why does the NOFO emphasize sustaining a Regional Program Office?

The NOFO highlights the importance of avoiding the loss of regional coordination structures once initial build-out funding ends. The Regional Program Office helps maintain governance, coordination, and continuity across multiple agencies and jurisdictions so detection activities remain routine and effective.

9) What kinds of capabilities is DHS trying to sustain through this program?

DHS is aiming to sustain uninterrupted, region-wide R/N detection capability in HRUAs. This includes having the right equipment, trained personnel who can use it competently, and clear operational procedures for detection and response so the mission is embedded into day-to-day operations.

10) Does the NOFO define "capability" as simply owning equipment?

No. The NOFO emphasizes that capability is not just having equipment on hand. It is having trained and equipped personnel who can competently use the equipment and who operate under clear detection and response protocols.

11) What operational outcomes is the STC Sustainment opportunity trying to achieve?

The intended outcome is a region that can consistently detect, assess, and appropriately respond to potential R/N threats, with no major gaps caused by aging equipment or weakened regional coordination. DHS is aiming for uninterrupted detection capability that reduces the risk of dangerous nuclear or radiological materials being used to threaten an HRUA.

12) What kind of federal funding instrument is this opportunity?

This opportunity is described as a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement instrument. A cooperative agreement indicates DHS expects substantial involvement in project execution compared to a more hands-off grant.

13) What kind of assistance is typically associated with STC support?

STC support typically includes technical and programmatic assistance to help recipients integrate local or regional detection programs into the national detection structure, guidance for developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) and standard operating procedures, provision of R/N detection equipment, and delivery of training and exercise products to keep personnel proficient.

14) Does the NOFO allow for expansion of capability within an existing STC region?

Yes. The NOFO notes that capability expansion may be supported by incorporating additional partners into an existing STC regional program. This can broaden coverage and improve interoperability when more agencies or jurisdictions are brought into the existing structure.

15) What is a Concept of Operations (CONOP) in this context?

Within the STC framework described, a Concept of Operations (CONOP) is part of the guidance used to establish how detection activities are carried out, coordinated, and integrated across agencies. It supports clear operational procedures so detection and response can occur routinely and effectively.

16) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 97.106.

17) How is this opportunity categorized?

It is categorized under disaster prevention and relief.

18) What is the opportunity number for the 2020 STC Sustainment NOFO?

The opportunity number is DHS ST 20 106 STC 0001.

19) Which office issued this funding opportunity?

The NOFO was issued by the Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division.

20) When was the opportunity posted and what was the original closing date?

The posting was created on May 29, 2020, and the original closing date was July 20, 2020.

21) What is the award ceiling listed for this opportunity?

The award ceiling shown is $16,071,018.

22) What legal authority supports the STC Program and this sustainment opportunity?

The legal authority referenced is the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-296), as amended by the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-387), codified at 6 U.S.C. 596b.

23) What types of threats is this program designed to address?

The program is designed to reduce the risk of terrorist attacks and other high-consequence incidents involving nuclear or radiological materials, with a focus on detecting those materials early and enabling coordinated response efforts within HRUAs.

24) What does it mean to integrate a regional program into the national detection architecture?

As described, integration means aligning local and regional detection activities with a broader national detection structure. This includes coordinating detection operations and response protocols so regional efforts contribute to a wider national approach to nuclear and radiological threat detection.

25) What is the practical, on-the-ground goal of STC sustainment?

The practical goal is to ensure detection activities can happen routinely and effectively, not only during special events. That means maintaining functional equipment, trained users, and established procedures across the metro region so the detection mission remains part of day-to-day operations.