Subject:
Title
Employment Sites Program Grant Funding Agreement for a sum of not-to-exceed $275,000.00 to Florida International University for the purchase and installation of a shared Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (Multi-Use SCIF) in Pinellas County.
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Recommended Action
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of a Grant Funding Agreement for a sum of not-to-exceed $275,000.00 to Florida International University to support the purchase and installation of a shared Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (Multi-Use SCIF) at its National Forensic Science Technology Center in Pinellas County.
• Funding for a Multi-Use SCIF in the amount of $183,655.00 was approved by the Board at its July 13, 2021 meeting, and delegated authority was given to the County Administrator to negotiate and execute all agreements and documentation.
• The funding amount was increased to not-to-exceed $275,000.00 at the Board’s October 12, 2021 meeting.
• The Multi-Use SCIF will expand opportunities for Pinellas County defense service providers and subcontractors to contractors review and bid on classified contracts.
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Strategic Plan:
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.1 Proactively attract, expand, and retain businesses with targeted jobs to the county and the region
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
The National Forensics Science Technology Center is a program of Florida International University (NFSTC@FIU) and a recognized leader in quality forensic services including assistance for the defense industry. The NFSTC@FIU shall maintain and operate the Multi-Use SCIF and keep it available for use by any Pinellas County business. The NFSTC@FIU is the Cognizant Security Authority site host and will handle security, scheduling, and management of the Mutual Utilization Agreements for each user.
Background Information:
The first application cycle for the County’s Employment Sites Program opened on January 11, 2021 and closed on March 11, 2021. The National Forensic Science Technology Center at Florida International University (NFSTC@FIU) applied for funding for a Multi-Use Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (Multi-Use SCIF). NFSTC@FIU proposed to purchase and install the Multi-Use SCIF within their existing space at the National Forensic Science Technology Center. A SCIF is a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) accredited installation where sensitive compartmented information may be stored, used, discussed and/or electronically processed or viewed. DOD and government contractors use a SCIF to look at information specific to their contract. A “multi-use” SCIF means that multiple agencies and businesses can utilize the facility at different times.
The Multi-Use SCIF will provide Pinellas with a competitive edge over other locations and would help existing defense contractors review and bid on classified contracts that could increase their workforce and create an incentive for new defense contractors to relocate to Pinellas County. The Multi-Use SCIF will expand opportunities for defense service providers and subcontractors to do business efficiently with USSOCOM and MacDill Air Force Base, as well as provide an extension of the base itself. The NFSTC@FIU would be the Cognizant Security Authority (CSA) handling security, scheduling, and management of the Mutual Utilization Agreements (MUA) of each Shared SCIF user. USSOCOM will commission the SCIF activating the secured communications equipment.
Fiscal Impact:
Total Maximum Expenditure $275,000.00
Funding to support the request is budgeted in the County's Capital Improvement Program, funded by the Local Infrastructure Sales Surtax (Penny for Pinellas) in project 004149A Penny IV Economic Development Capital Projects. This funding is from the Penny for Pinellas countywide investment for Economic Development Capital Projects and Housing.
Staff Member Responsible:
Cynthia Johnson, Director, Economic Development
Teresa Brydon, Business Development Manager, Economic Development
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Grant Funding Agreement
Applicant Overview Page