Securing the Cities Program, 2021 STC Sustainment | DHS ST 21 106 STC 0001

Opportunity Information: Apply for DHS ST 21 106 STC 0001

The Securing the Cities (STC) Program, 2021 STC Sustainment grant opportunity is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cooperative agreement designed to strengthen the nation s ability to detect and stop terrorist attacks or other high consequence incidents involving nuclear or radiological materials. The focus is on high risk urban areas where the threat and potential impact are greatest, and where early detection can make the difference between prevention and catastrophe. In practical terms, the program is about building and maintaining real world, on the ground capability: people who are trained, equipped, and ready to carry out radiological and nuclear (R/N) detection as part of routine operations, backed by clear protocols for what to do when something suspicious is found.

A central goal of STC is to help state, local, tribal, and regional partners develop programs that fit their local environment but still connect into a larger national detection architecture. DHS support is not limited to buying equipment. It also includes hands on technical assistance to develop and refine Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) and standard operating procedures, so agencies are aligned on roles, responsibilities, communications, and escalation pathways. The program also emphasizes training and exercise products to make sure detection is not treated as a niche skill that only appears during special events, but instead becomes integrated into everyday public safety and security activities. Under STC, capability is explicitly defined as trained and equipped personnel who can competently operate R/N detection equipment and who are guided by established detection and response procedures.

This particular notice of funding opportunity is for Phase IV (Sustainment). STC is structured in four phases: Phase I (Engagement), Phase II (Implementation), Phase III (Integration), and Phase IV (Sustainment). By the time a jurisdiction reaches Sustainment, the foundational program elements should already be in place, and the work shifts to keeping capabilities operational and effective over time. For the 2021 sustainment opportunity, all recipients have advanced to Phase IV, which means funding is aimed at recapitalizing equipment (replacing aging or expiring detection assets, maintaining readiness, and avoiding capability drop off) and expanding detection coverage, including along routes of ingress into the high risk urban area. The notice also clarifies that recipients still in earlier phases could be funded through separate funding opportunities, meaning this NOFO is tailored specifically to mature STC sites focused on long term durability and expansion rather than initial stand up.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is a discretionary grant issued as a cooperative agreement, which typically indicates a more active federal role in program execution compared to a standard grant. The funding activity category is listed as regional development, and the assistance listing is CFDA 97.106. The funding opportunity number is DHS ST 21 106 STC 0001, created May 7, 2021, with an original application closing date of June 7, 2021. DHS listed an award ceiling of 650,000 dollars, with one expected award, suggesting a targeted sustainment investment rather than a broad competitive pool. Eligibility is listed as Others with additional clarification referenced in the full eligibility text, which commonly indicates that only specific previously designated STC recipient jurisdictions or similarly defined entities can apply, consistent with the Phase IV sustainment focus.

Overall, the 2021 STC Sustainment opportunity is best understood as a continuation and reinforcement grant for established STC jurisdictions: it supports the ongoing readiness of radiological and nuclear detection operations by keeping equipment current, sustaining trained personnel and practiced procedures, and extending detection capability to key entry routes into high risk urban areas. It also aligns with DHS prevention priorities, supporting the Prevent Terrorism and Enhance Security mission area identified in the 2018 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review and fitting within the prevention framework described in Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD 8).

• The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division in the regional development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Securing the Cities Program, 2021 STC Sustainment" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 97.106.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 07, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 07, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $650,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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