Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) Guidance

This document is intended to provide Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant recipients with an overview of the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN), and how to utilize monies received through FEMA-funded awards towards the organization and in support of HSIN user communities and information sharing activities.

Learn more by reading the annual reports, fact sheets, and case studies.

Background

HSIN is the trusted network for homeland security partners to share sensitive but unclassified information. Federal, State, Local, Territorial, Tribal, International and Private Sector homeland security partners use HSIN to manage operations, analyze data, and send alerts and notices. Organizations also use HSIN to plan for and communicate in real time during major events, exercises, and incidents. HSIN supports information sharing across multiple mission areas including, but not limited to, law enforcement, emergency management, emergency services, infrastructure protection, intelligence, and public health.

HSIN provides three valuable services for secure and trusted information sharing. First, HSIN is a shared place for homeland security user communities such as law enforcement, emergency services, and critical sectors to collaborate on issues and operations. Second, HSIN is the distribution channel for homeland security reports and information, as well as the conduit for information for the National Operations Center.  Third, HSIN is a central access point for homeland security data, and is the virtual hub for the National Network of Fusion Centers. 

Allowable Uses of Funds

The list below includes a description of each funding type and how these funds can be used specifically to support participation in HSIN. Further information about HSIN can be found on the DHS website: www.dhs.gov/hsin.

HSIN Community Development

HSIN Community Development refers to work undertaken to organize, govern, and support a Community of Interest, sub-community, work group, or other collaborative group of HSIN users. Funds may be used for meetings of organizational bodies or governance boards, site administration and content management either by employees or contractors of the sponsoring entity, member recruitment and communications, functionality development, and any other activity designed to create or sustain a HSIN community, including the creation of documentation or other artifacts.

For detailed descriptions of the HSIN community creation and governance process, please contact HSIN Outreach at HSIN.Outreach@hq.dhs.gov.

Information Sharing and Operational Coordination Enhancement

Information sharing and operational coordination enhancement refers to participation in activities sponsored by DHS, the HSIN program, or one or more HSIN communities for the purpose of developing and/or expanding procedures, protocols, or standards that promote information exchange, knowledge management, situational awareness, and mission-oriented collaboration within and/or between communities of HSIN users. This funding type also includes efforts to integrate HSIN into fusion center operations and to meet both the Critical Operational Capabilities and the Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers.  Activities include meetings, trainings, exercises, workshops, event support, and conferences, along with the development of materials in support of these activities.  Also covered are technical services to support integration of HSIN with state and local data sources.

Training

The HSIN program offers training to users and community administrators through a variety of methods. Training funds may be used to for costs associated with virtual and in-person participation in HSIN training courses and HSIN-related workshops and conferences. These courses and other events must be approved by the HSIN program. Training funds may also be used for costs associated with the HSIN Learning Management System. For a complete listing of training courses, please contact HSIN Outreach at HSIN.Outreach@hq.dhs.gov.

Travel

Funds used for travel are limited to allowable costs associated with the activities outlined in the section above entitled Allowable Uses of HSIN Funds.  Travel costs can include accommodations, transportation, meals and mileage for these activities. These costs must be reasonable and conform to the General Services Administration (GSA) schedule regarding all per diem travel expenses.