The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced the start of the application period for approximately $33.7 million in equipment and equipment training awards for first responders through its 2007 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP).

CEDAP helps meet the needs of smaller jurisdictions by providing equipment and equipment training awards in five categories:

(1) personal protective equipment
(2) thermal imaging, night vision, and video surveillance tools
(3) chemical and biological detection tools
(4) information technology and risk management tools
(5) interoperable communications equipment

Awards are made to law enforcement and emergency responder agencies not currently eligible for funding through the Department's Urban Areas Security Initiative grant program.

For more info, visit the Responder Knowledge Base at https://www.rkb.mipt.org/. The application submission period is open via the Web site from April 25 through 11:59 p.m. EDT, May 29.