PSIC AWARDS
The Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program was created by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (the Act) (Public Law 109-171), as amended by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (the 9/11 Act) (Public Law 110-53) and A bill to allow the funding for the interoperable emergency communications grant program established under the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to remain available until expended through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes (Public Law 111-96). The legislation directed the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the Department of Commerce (DOC), in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to establish and administer a grant program to assist public safety agencies in the advancement of interoperable communications.
On September 30, 2007, the PSIC Grant Program awarded $968,385,000 to fund interoperable communications projects in the 56 States and Territories. This represents the largest single infusion of Federal funding ever provided for State, Territory, and local agencies to implement communications solutions. PSIC awards are assisting public safety agencies in the acquisition of, planning and coordination of, deployment of, or training for the use of interoperable communications systems. These funds will help State and local first responders improve public safety communications during natural or man-made disasters. The PSIC Grant Program is a one-time grant program; future funds will not be made available through PSIC.
The PSIC awards had a special condition that required the States and Territories to have an approved Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (SCIP) and approved Investment Justifications (IJs) prior to the release of funds. All 56 States and Territories have an approved SCIP through DHS’s Office of Emergency Communications (OEC).
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved 56 IJs comprising more than 300 projects. NTIA and FEMA program staff used information from the IJ submissions to compile State-by-State Investment Summaries that capture the details of the approved Investments. The following links to a map and State and Territory list for viewing the Investment Summary and Award Information:
For more information about the PSIC Grant Program, contact us via email at PSIC@dhs.gov.