On behalf of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, I am releasing the FY 2021 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants (SAFECOM Guidance), which has been posted to the SAFECOM website at:  cisa.gov/safecom/funding.  The SAFECOM Guidance is updated annually to provide relevant information on policies, eligible costs, technical standards, and best practices for state, local, tribal, and territorial grant recipients investing federal funds in emergency communications projects.  While only certain agencies require compliance with the SAFECOM Guidance, all entities are highly encouraged to follow the recommendations within this document to ensure interoperable, resilient, and fully effective communications.

In its 15th edition, the SAFECOM Guidance continues to evolve to meet the needs of the public safety community.  This year's guidance reflects the current public health and geopolitical landscapes, investment priorities, technical standards, and available supporting materials for implementing emergency communications projects.  Key changes to the guidance include information on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, new cybersecurity resources, and repeal of the T-Band spectrum auction.

The development of this document would not have been possible without the input, ideas, and expertise of our partners at SAFECOM and NCSWIC.  We thank them for their contributions to ensure that emergency communications policies are consistent across the Federal Government.  For questions or additional information on the SAFECOM Guidance, please email:  ECD@cisa.dhs.gov.