Opportunity Information: Apply for DHS 11 NPPD 129 001
Apply for DHS 11 NPPD 129 001
- The Office of Procurement Operations Grants Division in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Securing Critical Underground Infrastructure (SCUI) Pilot Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 97.129 Securing Critical Underground Infrastructure Pilot Program.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 21, 2011 and posted on Jul 14, 2011.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 15, 2011. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 4 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- APPLICANTS MUST BE INVITED BY DHS TO APPLY
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Securing Critical Underground Infrastructure (SCUI) Pilot Program was a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) discretionary pilot grant opportunity aimed at lowering the risk that terrorists could use explosives to damage the nation's critical underground infrastructure. The core idea of the program was practical and targeted: DHS had already applied a standardized methodology to analyze underground infrastructure systems, identify vulnerable access points, and then deploy a specific protective measure to address those vulnerabilities. Instead of funding broad security upgrades, the pilot focused on a concrete mitigation tool, Manhole Securing/Locking Devices (MSLD), intended to help prevent unauthorized access to underground spaces that could be exploited for an attack.
This opportunity was offered as a cooperative agreement, which generally means recipients would not only receive assistance but would also work in close coordination with DHS during the pilot. A key feature of SCUI is that it provided non-monetary assistance only. In other words, participants were not expected to receive cash awards; the support came in the form of the provided devices and the structured pilot framework. The estimated dollar amount was listed as varying, but the official total funding, ceiling, and floor were shown as zero, reflecting that the benefit was in-kind rather than a traditional financial grant.
The program anticipated making about four awards, reinforcing that it was a limited-scope pilot designed to generate usable evaluation data rather than a wide rollout. Recipients were expected to install and use the MSLDs and then actively monitor how well they worked in real conditions. That monitoring included both effectiveness and drawbacks, with particular attention to how the devices performed given different local operational realities and climate conditions. DHS intended to use the data and lessons collected from recipients to complete its evaluation of the devices and the overall approach, which suggests the pilot was meant to inform future policy decisions, technical standards, procurement choices, or a broader implementation strategy.
Eligibility for the SCUI Pilot Program was restricted. Applicants could not simply apply on their own initiative; they had to be invited by DHS to submit an application. The listing categorized eligible applicants broadly as "Others," but the invitation-only requirement was the controlling condition, indicating DHS likely pre-identified candidate entities that owned or managed relevant underground assets and could provide meaningful performance feedback.
Administratively, the opportunity was listed under Funding Opportunity Number DHS 11 NPPD 129 001 and CFDA number 97.129 (Securing Critical Underground Infrastructure Pilot Program). It was posted on July 14, 2011, with an original closing date of September 15, 2011, later extended to October 15, 2011. The archive date was November 14, 2011. The issuing organization was DHS Office of Procurement Operations, Grants Division. For access issues or help with the announcement, the contact listed was Joan Keiser at 202-447-5603 and joan.keiser@dhs.gov.
Overall, SCUI reads as a tightly controlled, invitation-only pilot focused on testing a specific physical security countermeasure for underground access points. The value of participation was the equipment and the chance to shape DHS understanding of what works, what fails, and what tradeoffs appear when manhole securing and locking devices are used across different environments and operating conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Securing Critical Underground Infrastructure (SCUI) Pilot Program
What is the SCUI Pilot Program?
The Securing Critical Underground Infrastructure (SCUI) Pilot Program was a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) discretionary pilot grant opportunity focused on reducing the risk that terrorists could use explosives to damage the nation's critical underground infrastructure.
What was the main goal of SCUI?
The goal was to lower the risk of terrorist exploitation of underground access points by deploying a specific protective measure to address identified vulnerabilities, rather than funding broad or generalized security upgrades.
Which federal agency offered this opportunity?
This pilot opportunity was issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Procurement Operations, Grants Division.
Was SCUI a traditional grant with cash funding?
No. SCUI provided non-monetary assistance only. The support was in-kind, centered on providing specific equipment and operating within a structured pilot framework, rather than issuing cash awards to recipients.
If there was no cash funding, what did participants receive?
Participants received Manhole Securing/Locking Devices (MSLD) and participated in a DHS-coordinated pilot effort designed to test these devices under real-world conditions.
What are Manhole Securing/Locking Devices (MSLD)?
MSLDs are physical protective devices intended to help prevent unauthorized access to underground spaces through manholes or similar access points, reducing the potential for exploitation as part of an attack.
How did DHS decide what to protect under the pilot?
DHS had already applied a standardized methodology to analyze underground infrastructure systems, identify vulnerable access points, and then pair those vulnerabilities with the deployment of the MSLD mitigation measure.
What type of award instrument was used?
The opportunity was offered as a cooperative agreement, meaning recipients were expected to work in close coordination with DHS during the pilot.
What does it mean that the program was a "pilot"?
It means the effort was limited in scope and designed to generate evaluation data and lessons learned, rather than serving as a large-scale rollout. The program was intended to inform DHS evaluation of the devices and the overall approach.
How many awards did DHS anticipate making?
The program anticipated making about four awards.
What were recipients expected to do as part of the pilot?
Recipients were expected to install and use the MSLDs and actively monitor performance in real conditions, including both effectiveness and drawbacks.
What kinds of performance feedback was DHS looking for?
DHS was particularly interested in how the devices performed across different local operational realities and climate conditions, including any tradeoffs or drawbacks observed during use.
Why did the funding listing show a total funding, ceiling, and floor of zero?
Because the assistance was non-monetary (in-kind). The listing reflected that recipients were not expected to receive cash awards even though the pilot still had value through the provided devices and DHS-led framework.
Who was eligible to apply for SCUI?
Eligibility was restricted. Applicants could not apply on their own initiative; they had to be invited by DHS to submit an application. Although the listing categorized eligible applicants broadly as "Others," the invitation-only requirement was the controlling condition.
Could an organization submit an application without being invited?
No. The opportunity was invitation-only, meaning only entities invited by DHS could submit an application.
What was the likely profile of invited participants?
Based on the invitation-only approach and the pilot's purpose, DHS likely pre-identified candidate entities that owned or managed relevant underground assets and could provide meaningful performance feedback on MSLDs.
When was the SCUI opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on July 14, 2011.
What was the original application closing date?
The original closing date was September 15, 2011.
Was the closing date extended?
Yes. The closing date was extended to October 15, 2011.
When was the opportunity archived?
The archive date was November 14, 2011.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this pilot?
The Funding Opportunity Number was DHS 11 NPPD 129 001.
What CFDA number was associated with SCUI?
The CFDA number was 97.129 (Securing Critical Underground Infrastructure Pilot Program).
How would DHS use the results from the pilot?
DHS intended to use the collected data and lessons learned to complete its evaluation of the devices and the approach, potentially informing future policy decisions, technical standards, procurement choices, or a broader implementation strategy.
Who was the listed contact for access issues or help with the announcement?
The contact listed was Joan Keiser.
What phone number and email were provided for the contact?
Phone: 202-447-5603
Email: joan.keiser@dhs.gov
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Office of Procurement Operations Grants Division
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Recovering small Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow subpopulations the
Previous opportunity: Global Action Program on Child Labor Issues
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DHS 11 NPPD 129 001
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DHS 11 NPPD 129 001) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Water Conservation Field Services Program Nebraska Kansas Area Office Apply for R11SF60009 Funding Number: R11SF60009 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Region Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Fire Management Plan Development and Implementation at the Natural Scenic Recreation Area, McGee Creek Project, Oklahoma Apply for R11SS60010 Funding Number: R11SS60010 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Region Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| FY 2011 Degrees at a Distance Program Apply for DHS 11 USFA 103 000 01 Funding Number: DHS 11 USFA 103 000 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Minerva Research Initiative (MRI) Apply for W911NF 11 R 0011 Funding Number: W911NF 11 R 0011 Agency: Dept of the Army Materiel Command Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Request for Statements of Interest China Apply for DRL 11 GR CHINA SOI 110718 Funding Number: DRL 11 GR CHINA SOI 110718 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| NGO Programs in Response to the Somali Refugee Emergency in Ethiopia and Kenya Apply for PRM AFR 11 CA AF 071811 HORN Funding Number: PRM AFR 11 CA AF 071811 HORN Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Developing a Method for Conducting an Internal Evaluation of Gender Informed Policy and Practice Apply for 11AD04 Funding Number: 11AD04 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $120,000 |
| American Schools and Hospitals Abroad Program for 2012 Apply for RFA ASHA 11 000001 Funding Number: RFA ASHA 11 000001 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Enhance Accessibility and Preservation of the Billings Family Archive, at Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont Apply for NPS 11 NERO 0072 Funding Number: NPS 11 NERO 0072 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Training and Related Assistance for Indian Country Jails Apply for 11JA06 Funding Number: 11JA06 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Financial Management Support to the North Platte Decree Committee Apply for R11SS60011 Funding Number: R11SS60011 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Region Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Point Reyes National Seashore Fuels Reduction Apply for NOI NPSP11AT80704 Funding Number: NOI NPSP11AT80704 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $37,000 |
| Quarterly Publication of a Corrections Mental Health Newsletter Apply for 11AD05 Funding Number: 11AD05 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Correctional Health Care Executive Curriculum Development Apply for 11AD11 Funding Number: 11AD11 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Republic of South Sudan Diplomatic Training Apply for 1900 LMAQM 11 GR 044 USSES 072611 Funding Number: 1900 LMAQM 11 GR 044 USSES 072611 Agency: OFFICE OF ACQUISITIONS MANAGEMENT Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2011 National Urban Search Rescue (USR) Response System Readiness Cooperative Agreement Apply for DHS 11 DOD 025 000 01 Funding Number: DHS 11 DOD 025 000 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $31,080,684 |
| Johnstown Area preservation and heritage Johnstown, PA Apply for NPS 11 NERO 0075 Funding Number: NPS 11 NERO 0075 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $45,000 |
| Two Hearings of the National Institute of Corrections Advisory Board Apply for 11AD12 Funding Number: 11AD12 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Curriculum Development for Women Offenders Developing an Agency wide Approach Apply for 11AD13 Funding Number: 11AD13 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $135,000 |
| Frank Charles Park Management 2011, New York City Apply for NPS 11 NERO 0076 Funding Number: NPS 11 NERO 0076 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $38,304 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DHS 11 NPPD 129 001", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.