TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution accepting the Force Reduction Assessment Grant.
SUMMARY
AGENDA ITEM
Force Reduction Assessment Grant
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
Support Services
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Department of Defense (DoD) recently announced personnel cuts across the military including a reduction of 3,300 soldiers at Fort Hood. DoD’s Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) then informed the City of Killeen that it could request a federal grant to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the impact of this force reduction, specifically in the areas of retail, housing, education, employment, small business and defense suppliers.
As with the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), DoD selects civilian communities to serve as force reduction assessment sponsors. Sponsors coordinate with OEA to secure application approval and grant funding. Sponsors also recruit, select and manage contract support to perform these assessments. Unlike the JLUS, sponsors are not required to provide a match. OEA provides 100% of force reduction assessment grant funding.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
Staff prepared the Fort Hood Force Reduction Assessment application and submitted it on August 17, 2015. OEA subsequently approved it. The City of Killeen is the sponsor; the City Manager is the Authorizing Official; and the Executive Director of Support Services is the Grant POC and project officer.
This assessment is separate from the JLUS, however staff will synchronize the contract support of both efforts and ensure regional collaboration. Heart of Texas Defense Alliance (HOTDA) will also assist by providing expertise and administrative support as desired.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total budget for the assessment is $148,400. The Force Reduction Assessment grant from OEA will fund all project expenses. Revenues and expenditures related to the grant will occur in the 251 - Force Reduction Grant fund. The length of the award is from August 1, 2015, until July 31, 2016, and requests for extensions may be submitted as appropriate.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Force Reduction Assessment Grant application, authorize the City Manager to accept the grant (electronic signature) and administer the duties required by the grant.