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Home My WebLink AboutFY21-22-CNC CONSULTING-80CNC CONSULTING MICHELE HOBBS 421 VICTORIA DRIVE MOSCOW, ID 83843 775-544-0618 CNCCONSULTANTZ@GMAIL.COM CNC CONSULTING 1 June 28, 2021 Mr. Kazuo Todd, Fire Chief Hawai‘i County Fire Department County of Hawai‘i 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Re: Statement of Qualification and Expression of Interest for Community Planning (Grant Writer/Manager) – Category 80 of the Notice to Providers of Professional Services (HRS 103D-304) Dear Chief Todd: CNC Consulting respectfully submits this Statement of Qualification and Expression of Interest for the County of Hawai‘i’s Invitation for Professional Services in Category of Services #80 entitled Community Planning (Grant Writer/Manager). Introduction to CNC Consulting As the owner and chief principal officer of CNC Consulting, I bring over thirty-one years of experience in local, state and federal government grant writing, grant management, budget development, strategic analysis and contract administration with various governmental and higher educational organizations in Nevada, Alaska and Idaho. After retiring as the Administrative Services/Financial Officer for the City of Reno Fire Department in 2020, and relocating to Moscow, Idaho, I embarked on an adventure to establish my own consulting business to assist other state and local fire departments with their grant submission and management needs. Having worked for the Reno Fire Department since 2003, I have witnessed both the good times as well as the bad. From the “boom era” in 2004 through 2008, to the “bust era” leading to the great economic downturn from 2009 through 2016, I had first-hand experience managing dramatic funding reductions, which led to personnel lay-offs and station brown-outs, all of which severely affected public safety service delivery to our community. To this day, many of our local, state and federal fire public safety organization’s budgets and staffing numbers have not rebounded to the pre-recession days. Agencies have maintained zero-base budgets for well over a decade with no increases in services, supplies or equipment. Any increases in budgets have most often been attributed to personnel collective labor agreement cost of living increases and the ever-increasing costs of fringe benefits. With continued budget restrictions, fire agencies need to explore as many grant opportunities as possible to seek additional external funding from federal, state, local and private organizations to acquire much needed equipment for new and on-going programs. Having witnessing this need first hand, and fortunately being very CNC CONSULTING MICHELE HOBBS 421 VICTORIA DRIVE MOSCOW, ID 83843 775-544-0618 CNCCONSULTANTZ@GMAIL.COM CNC CONSULTING 2 successful in obtaining grants for the Reno Fire Department for more than 18 years, I decided to utilize my experience and success in securing grants to assist other fire service organizations do the same. Our Grant Writing and Management Services We Provide Throughout my government service career, both in Nevada and Alaska, I have secured and managed over $75 million dollars in grant funding from local, state and federal grants funding sources, as well as numerous private grants & donations. My specialty is exploring and securing public safety fire grants for all types of needs from personnel, equipment, training, vehicle acquisition, facility upgrades and communications. In working with your organization, I will create a strong partnership working as a team to achieve your goals with open and continuous communication. I will research and learn about your organization, your community and your needs to develop a good, justifiable and well written grant applications. I will assist you in all aspects of the grant writing and management process including, but not limited to: • Identifying grants applicable to your organization. • Justifying fiscal, economic and service needs to satisfy the grant requirements. • Assisting and developing funding plans for your grant priorities. • Writing and developing your grant documentation and application. • Assisting in the implementation of your successful grant award. • Reporting including preparing your financial status and performance reports. • Implementing your award, creating processes for implementation and tracking. • Assisting with the processes for procuring your awarded items based on your departmental policies and procedures. • Monitoring your grant expenditures, submitting payment requests, reconciling grant awarded items. • Complying with grant monitoring, final reporting and policy development for ongoing monitoring and grant adherence. Our Grant Writing and Management Approach To achieve successful grant awards, I utilize a systematic “phased” approach applying various methodologies to develop documents and justification for effective grant applications. The following outline describes my grant application and management processes in the phases we will cover when applying for/or managing an existing grant: • Phase 1 – Intake Form • Identify Contacts & Organizational Information • Identify Critical Organization Needs • Identify Financial Need • Grant Funding – Public/Private/Donations • Justification for Budgetary Increases from Current Governing Body • Phase 2 – Questionnaire • Types of Services Interested In: CNC CONSULTING MICHELE HOBBS 421 VICTORIA DRIVE MOSCOW, ID 83843 775-544-0618 CNCCONSULTANTZ@GMAIL.COM CNC CONSULTING 3 • Grant Identification • Grant Justification • Application Preparation • Grant Implementation • Grant Monitoring & Reporting • Grant Compliance • Based Upon Services Identified Above: • Discuss Funding Interests o Identify Goals • Obtain Direction toward Grant Opportunities to Pursue o Personnel o Equipment o Training o Data Management o Vehicle Acquisition o Facility Upgrades o EMS o Communications o Other • Review of Previous Grant Submittals o Including Awards & Rejections • Phase 3 – Research & Identification of Applicable Grant Opportunities • Identify and research grant opportunities tailored to your needs. • Ensure any matching funds required by specific grants are achievable by your organization. • Ensure any pre-approval prior to submitting a grant is obtained by your department if required. • Discuss opportunities on a continuous basis. • Select most appropriate and advantageous grant to apply for. • Review and decipher Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for specific grants to ensure departmental agreement for compliance. • Phase 4 – Grant Application Development • Identify/Assist with Data Collection • Most of this information is the “boilerplate” for a majority of grant applications: o Current SAM Registration o DUNS Number o First-Due Response Area o % of Area Covered by Hydrants o Detail on Critical Infrastructure Protected o Population o NIMS Compliance o NFIRS Compliance CNC CONSULTING MICHELE HOBBS 421 VICTORIA DRIVE MOSCOW, ID 83843 775-544-0618 CNCCONSULTANTZ@GMAIL.COM CNC CONSULTING 4 o Firefighter Training Level o Services Provided by Organization o 3-Years Data Regarding” ▪ Civilian Injuries & Fatalities ▪ On-Duty Injuries & Fatalities ▪ Operating Budget o Funding Reserves o Funding Sources o Vehicle Inventory ▪ Front Line, Reserve – Seated Positions o Call Volume ▪ EMS (BLS/ALS/Transport) ▪ Community Paramedic ▪ Rescue ▪ Haz-Mat ▪ NFIRS – Series 100 through 900 • Fires • Rescue • EMS ▪ Mutual & Automatic Aid o Equipment Inventory Examples ▪ If Requesting PPE • Years Old and Number of Items ▪ If SCBA • Which Edition (2018/2013/2007+) • Current Inventory • Replacement Inventory • Creation of a Good Grant Narrative • This is the “meat & potatoes” of your grant application. • We will develop a good narrative that will explain, document and provide background information on the following five areas: o Organization & Community You Serve ▪ Description of your Organization ▪ What are the special needs required to serve the community? ▪ Describe any special hazards in your community. ▪ What are the demands of your organization based on the needs of the community? o Financial Need ▪ Why do you need assistance and is it consistent with the intent of the grant program? ▪ Describe your financial distress, including budget constraints. CNC CONSULTING MICHELE HOBBS 421 VICTORIA DRIVE MOSCOW, ID 83843 775-544-0618 CNCCONSULTANTZ@GMAIL.COM CNC CONSULTING 5 ▪ Describe what attempts have been made to secure funding elsewhere and why financial distress is out of your control. o Project Description/Budget Justification ▪ Clearly discuss project objectives and their relationship to budget and risk analysis. ▪ Explain how the proposed expenses are linked to completion of the project. ▪ Describe how the various activities applied for are consistent with project objectives, your mission, and local requirements o Operations and Safety/Cost Benefit ▪ What is the benefit to your department if the grant is awarded? ▪ How will you address the operations and personal safety needs of your organization, including cost effectiveness and sharing assets? ▪ Include details about gaining the maximum benefits by citing required costs. ▪ Will the requested items lower or increase your department’s operating costs? ▪ Is the request consistent with your mission? o Statement of Effect/Impact on Daily Operations ▪ What effect will your request, if funded, have on overall effectiveness, daily operations, and the reduction of common risks? ▪ How frequently will the items be used and in what capacity? ▪ What impact will this project have on your community and the saving of lives and property? • Phase 5 – Grant Application Review & Submittal • We will assist/prepare your grant application for review and approval. • Provide a complete application for your submittal. • Phase 6 – Grant Award & Management • Depending upon your need, we can assist with: • Grant Implementation o Create processes for implementation and tracking. o Assist with the procurement of awarded items based on policies & procedures. • Grant Monitoring o Track expenditures o Submit payment requests o Reconcile grant awarded items • Grant Compliance o Final reporting o Policy development for on-going monitoring and grant adherence. CNC CONSULTING MICHELE HOBBS 421 VICTORIA DRIVE MOSCOW, ID 83843 775-544-0618 CNCCONSULTANTZ@GMAIL.COM CNC CONSULTING 6 List of Recent Projects and References The following is a list of grants I have prepared and managed, the organizations they were prepared for, a brief description of the grant, and a contact for the organization: County of Hawaii Fire Department – Assistant Fire Chief Ian Smith (808) 932-2907 Grants Awarded: • FY 2020 – Department of Homeland Security – FEMA (DHS/FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) – COVID-19 Supplemental – COVID PPE Response Equipment Reimbursement - $379,911 Grants Applied for: • FY 2020 – DHS/FEMA AFG Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) – Personnel Request – 9 Firefighting Positions - $3,511,641 • FY 2020 – DHS/FEMA AFG – Washer/Dryer Extractors - $515,650 • FY 2019 – DHS/FEMA AFG – Washer/Dryer Extractors - $694,500 Reno Fire Department – Fire Chief David Cochran (775) 334-2300 Grants Awarded: • FY 2019 – DHS/FEMA AFG SAFER – 8 Firefighting Positions - $3,004,000 • FY 2019 – Firehouse Subs Foundation – Defibrillator - $42,500 • FY 2019 – 2003 – DHS /FEMA – Emergency Management Performance Grants - $284,000 annually – total of $4.5 million dollars for emergency management planning, training and exercises. • FY 2018 – Pennington Foundation – Ladder Truck - $1,5111,000 • FY 2018 – DHS/FEMA AFG – Turnouts - $452,000 • FY 2018 – 2010 – DHS/NV Dept of Public Safety – State Homeland Security Program – total of $3.5 million dollars for hazardous materials response training, equipment and chemical detection equipment for Regional Haz-Mat Team. • FY 2017 – DHS/FEMA AFG – Defibrillators - $240,000 • FY 2014 – DHS/FEMA AFG – SCBAs - $750,000 • FY 2013 – DHS/FEMA AFG – Extrication Equipment - $384,000 • FY 2011 – DHS/FEMA – Fire Management Assistance Grant - $2.9 million dollars for wildland fire reimbursements for two major fires, Caughlin Fire and Washoe Fire. • FY 2010 – DHS/FEMA AFG – Regional Communications Grant - $686,945 • FY 2010/2011 – DHS/FEMA AFG SAFER – 74 Firefighting Positions - $15.5 million dollars. CNC CONSULTING MICHELE HOBBS 421 VICTORIA DRIVE MOSCOW, ID 83843 775-544-0618 CNCCONSULTANTZ@GMAIL.COM CNC CONSULTING 7 Closing Statement I am a self-motivated individual with a strong work ethic. I have demonstrated ability to effectively manage a heavy workload with multiple and often changing priorities. I possess excellent verbal and written communication skills that enable me to effectively communicate with all members of your organization from front-line firefighters to chief officers. I have the ability to solve diverse complex problems and never back away from a tough situation. I consider myself a team player, and would enjoy the opportunity to be part of your team. If you have any questions, or need any additional information, please feel free to contact me at (775) 544-0618. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future regarding your grant writing and management needs. Thank you for your consideration! Sincerely, Michele Hobbs CNC CONSULTING MICHELE HOBBS 421 VICTORIA DRIVE MOSCOW, ID 83843 775-544-0618 CNCCONSULTANTZ@GMAIL.COM CNC CONSULTING 8 STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS • Over thirty-one years of experience in preparing, submitting, securing and managing state, local and federal grants for all types of public and private grants listed below: • DHS /FEMA – Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) • Over $38 million dollars in grant awards for Fire and EMS training, equipment and vehicles. • DHS/FEMA – AFG Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants • Over $18 million dollars in grant awards for firefighting positions. • DHS/FEMA – Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) • Over $7.5 million dollars for wildland fire reimbursements. • DHS /FEMA – Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) • Over $4.5 million dollars for emergency management planning, training and exercises. • DHS/NV Dept of Public Safety – State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) • Over $3.5 million dollars for hazardous materials response training, equipment and chemical detection equipment for Regional Haz-Mat Team. • USDA/BLM – Fire Mitigation Program • $1.5 million dollars for fire fuel mitigation program to reduce wildland fire risk. • Washoe County Local Emergency Planning Grants • Over $500,000 in grant awards for emergency preparedness equipment. • Foundation Grants • $1.5 million dollar grant from Pennington Foundation for Aerial Ladder Truck. • Private Grants & Donations • $42,500 donation from Firehouse Subs Foundation for a Defibrillator. • $15,000 donation from Fireman’s Fund Insurance for fire prevention education materials. CNC CONSULTING MICHELE HOBBS 421 VICTORIA DRIVE MOSCOW, ID 83843 775-544-0618 CNCCONSULTANTZ@GMAIL.COM CNC CONSULTING 9 • Over thirty-one years of contract administration experience including specification development; contract preparation; interpretation; billing; and expenditure and revenue management for various types of personnel and service contracts. • Over thirty-one years of administrative experience managing programs and personnel, scheduling projects, coordinating resources and assigning priorities. • Over thirty-one years of budget development, forecasting, management, strategic analysis and implementation experience with various governmental and higher educational organizations. • Proven ability to interact and efficiently coordinate resources from internal and external agencies to achieve goals and objectives in a professional manner. • Proven ability to work effectively with internal and external staff with various levels of authority and educational backgrounds. • Proven ability to manage a heavy workload with multiple and often changing priorities under intense stress. • Proficient with various publishing, database, spreadsheet, word processing and financial accounting programs to include Microsoft PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, Word and Access. • Extremely dedicated with a strong professional work ethic and integrity. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Financial, Budgetary & Grant Management Responsible for all financial, budgetary and grant management activities for various local, state and higher educational organizations: • City of Reno Fire Department - Responsible for the overall development, preparation, administration and management of the Fire Department’s $45.0 Million-dollar annual operating, capital and grant funded budget. o Forecast budget requirement for annual program staffing, (wages, benefits and overtime), equipment, materials, services, supplies and capital equipment. o Coordinate with all Fire Divisional Chiefs to establish budgetary submissions encompassing staff goals, priorities, short and long-range needs, funding projections, expenditure forecasts, staffing levels and projected program modifications. o Translate decisions and data into required budgetary documentation and justification to support annual budget request. o Prepare, present and justify the Department's annual budget submission, both operating and capital, to Finance, City Manager, and the City Council for adoption. o Manage Departmental grant and contract program in excess of $15 Million dollars annually with federal, state and local agencies for personnel services and supplies. CNC CONSULTING MICHELE HOBBS 421 VICTORIA DRIVE MOSCOW, ID 83843 775-544-0618 CNCCONSULTANTZ@GMAIL.COM CNC CONSULTING 10 • City of Reno Finance Department, Budget Division – Responsible for the development and preparation of the City’s $365.0 Million dollar operating and capital budget. o Coordinate with all City departments in the annual development, analysis and review of individual budget submissions. o Establish budget timeframes, processes and communication plan to all departments. o Define and communicate standards and requirements for budget submission to department heads. o Communicate final approved budgets to all departments. Ensure budgets are established correctly in financial tracking system. o Monitor expenditures and revenues for all City departments; provide monthly analysis; and communicate concerns to department heads identifying adjustments required. o Administer and oversee budget revisions and augmentations for all departments. o Provide budget analysis and information to City Council requests. • State of Alaska, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) - Provide budgetary development, grant management, analysis and monitoring for Section Managers and the Regional Director for the annual $12.5 Million-dollar FAA/FHA grant funded departmental budget. Responsible for maintaining and accounting for all divisional funding sources. Prepare monthly and annual budgetary reports on revenues and expenditures; provide financial contract and grant management; and forecast budgetary needs based on divisional objectives and missions. Administrative and Personnel Management As the Administrative Services Manager for the City of Reno Fire Department, responsible for the daily oversight, planning, management, supervision and coordination of personnel resources and programmatic activities of the Administrative Services Division. • Supervise positions in the Administrative Services Division, including fiscal affairs and budgeting; payroll; supply; purchasing; records management; customer service; accounts receivable; accounts payable; grants management; facilities management; workers compensation and contract and agreement management. • Provide staff guidance and support as needed to promote a positive work environment for increased work activity; providing a higher quality of client services. Manage the development and implementation of the Reno Fire Department mission; goals; objectives; priorities; and policies and procedures for each Division. • Manage all personnel activities within the Department including implementation and negotiation of labor agreements; employee evaluations; discipline and grievance resolutions; payroll processing; personnel payroll actions and adjustments and workers compensation administration. CNC CONSULTING MICHELE HOBBS 421 VICTORIA DRIVE MOSCOW, ID 83843 775-544-0618 CNCCONSULTANTZ@GMAIL.COM CNC CONSULTING 11 • Establish appropriate service and staffing levels within budgetary restrictions; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures for the Administrative Services Division, as well as other Divisions within the Fire Department. WORK HISTORY 9/06 – 1/20 Administrative Services Manager, City of Reno - Reno, NV Reno Fire Department 10/03-9/06 Senior Management Analyst, City of Reno - Reno, NV Finance Department, Budget Division 8/02 – 10/03 Coordinator, Budget and Personnel, University of Nevada Reno, NV Reno, University Studies Abroad Consortium 4/98 – 5/02 Administrative Manager II, State of Alaska – Department Fairbanks, AK of Transportation & Public Facilities, Construction and CIP Support 2/93 – 4/98 Administrative Manager I, State of Alaska – Department Fairbanks, AK of Transportation & Public Facilities, Maintenance and Operations, Buildings 9/97 - 1/98 Acting Program Budget Analyst III, State of Alaska – Fairbanks, AK Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Northern Region Administration 7/92 - 2/93 Construction Accountant, University of Alaska Fairbanks, AK Fairbanks – Statewide Planning & Construction 9/90 - 6/92 Administrative Assistant I, State of Alaska – Department Anchorage, AK of Military & Veterans Affairs, Facility Mgmt. Office 9/89 - 9/90 Personnel & Operations Manager, Lamonts Apparel, Inc. Anchorage, AK EDUCATION University of Alaska, Fairbanks Bachelor’s of Business Administration Degree, B.B.A., Marketing/Management, May 1989