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EMPG

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1. How do I know if our county qualifies to become an EMPG county?

The county must meet state laws and requirements that apply to County Emergency Management Programs.

2. What reports are required to be filed with KDEM?

• County Emergency Operations Plan (within 5 years)
• County Promulgation Page
• County-approved designated Exercise Program Manager
• Exercise Program Manager's HSEEP Certificate
• Current years Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshop (IPPW) Calendar
• County Emergency Manager's Kansas Certified Emergency Manager (KCEM) License
• For each Emergency Management Staff Member and Designated Emergency Manager’s Back-up: NIMS IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800, & FEMA's Professional Development Series Certificates, individual course completion certificates must be uploaded into KS-TRAIN (www.train.org/ks) user account under "Your Learning". View the Cheat Sheet (PDF).
• Exercise activities reported in online Kansas Exercise Tracking System (KETS)
• Annual Budget for Personnel and Administrative Expenses (EMPG04)
• Emergency Management Performance Grant Fiscal Report (EMPG03)
• Subrecipient Reimbursement Request Form (EMPG05)

All items must be filed with KDEM within 90 days after the end of the grant project (calendar) year.

3. Why does it take so long to receive our reimbursement checks?

FEMA distributes funds to the states who then distribute funds to their sub-recipients.  This process, along with the application and reports review and approvals, takes time to implement.

4. How can I fill out EMPG application budget information if I don't know how much we're getting?

Under the Grant Dollars section, estimate what your EMPG award will be based on your allocation from previous years.  We understand that you don't know for sure how much you will get.

5. When do I need to update LEOP?

Every 5 years.

6. What forms are due when?

• 2021 EMPG Application period is now closed.
• 2021 EMPG Annual Budget for Personnel & Administrative Expenses (EMPG04), submitted with application.
• 2021 EMPG Quarterly Emergency Management Performance Grant Fiscal Report (EMPG03),  sent in with reimbursement request.
• 2021 EMPG Reimbursement Request Form (EMPG05), submit no later than June 30th, 2022.
• 2021 Statement of Work [SOW](EMPG02), proposed SOW initially submitted with your application, actual activities reported after grant award is received.

7. How do I know if I have the most current forms?

Contact EMPG Coordinator at KDEM, 785-646-2204. The most current forms are provided with the EMPG Application Package and are available on KDEM's website. Old KDEM reporting forms are obsolete and are not accepted.

8. Is a KCEM required for EMPG?

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the requirement to maintain an Emergency Manager certification has been waived until January 1, 2023. A county that was never in the Kansas EMPG grant program or a county that formerly was in EMPG but dropped out in the past and now wants back in are both categorized for our purposes as "New Starts". A New Start county would have to have their Emergency Manager (EM) meet all of the Kansas state statute requirements for Emergency Management (KAR 56-2-2), which would include being a currently certified EM. In Kansas, the 2 recognized certification programs are the KCEM obtained through the Kansas Emergency Management Association (KEMA), or the CEM obtained through the IAEM (international certification).

For counties that are already in the EMPG program, a new EM has 2 years to get certified, or an existing EM has to keep their certification current. Again, that is not a FEMA EMPG grant requirement, but rather is required by Kansas statute, so it is expected of all 105 county emergency managers, not just the approximately 68 that receive EMPG funding.

9. Is EMPG a binding contract?

No, if the coordinator does not submit the EMPG application package, this indicates that you no longer would like to participate in the EMPG program. If the coordinator does submit the EMPG application package for the year, then yes it is.

10. How does KDEM determine how much EMPG funds the counties will receive?

The award is based on a formula determined in advance that includes county hazards, population, and other factors.

11. My commissioners are not interested in EMPG, but I think we should apply. Is there someone at KDEM that would talk to my commissioners?

Contact EMPG Coordinator at KDEM at the number and/or email above, and he will inform the appropriate KDEM personnel who can provide assistance.

12. If my county is not an EMPG county, do I have to do anything?

Even if your county is not an EMPG county, you still have legal emergency management requirements that have to be met. Contact EMPG Coordinator for information on current county EM requirements.

13. What are EMPG funds intended for?

To ensure that a comprehensive emergency management system exists for disasters or emergencies.  The Kansas EMPG county projects are funded by setting aside a target amount of EMPG funds to be sub-granted to counties.

14. What are the current EMPG allowable costs?

See the EMPG Subrecipient Guidance (PDF).

15. What do I need to submit with my county's EMPG application?

See the Application Checklist posted on this website.

16. What do I need to submit for my county's EMPG Reports / Reimbursement Requests?

See the Report / Reimbursement Request Checklist posted on this website.

17. Who do we contact if we have questions about EMPG?

Please contact EMPG Coordinator at KDEM, 785-646-2204.

18. I need help completing a form. Who should I contact?

Please contact EMPG Coordinator at 785-646-2204.

19. Do I need to submit original signatures or are faxed/scanned originals sufficient?

Faxed or scanned originals with authorized signatures are sufficient. It is not necessary for KDEM to receive hard copy originals, but the faxed/scanned forms must show the authorized signatures.

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Flu Shots

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1. Who is eligible for the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) flu clinics?

Members covered under the (SEHP) who are over age 18 and under age 65.

2. Why are you limiting shots to those under age 65?

It is our understanding that a different flu shot is recommended for individuals over age 65. We will only be offering the product recommended for those under the age of 65. Those over age 65 will need to check with their healthcare provider regarding obtaining the recommended flu shot.

3. Are children eligible to get their flu shots at the SEHP clinic?

No. Our vendor only provides shots for members over the age of 18. Check with your physician or health plan for assistance in finding flu shots for children.

4. Why are flu shots not being given at all State Employee workplaces?

We are not able to offer shots at every location where state employees are located. For those members who are at a location where flu shot clinics are not offered, you have coverage under the SEHP for a flu shot as long as you use a network provider for your health plan. We have attached our health plans’ information on where shots are covered. Please feel free to call the health plan customer service if you have questions about whether or not a provider is eligible under your health plan.

5. Do I have to pre-register?

No. Flu shots will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis.

6. If I am a state employee but not covered by the SEHP, can I get a flu shot and pay at the flu clinic?

No. Only covered SEHP members may use the flu clinic. The vendor will not be set up to receive payments from non-members.

7. What do I need to bring to the flu clinic?

All members will need to bring their Caremark ID card to be eligible for a flu shot. You may also want to bring a pen, as you will need to complete a consent form at the event.

8. Will the vaccine contain live virus?

No, the vaccine contains only deactivated virus cells, no live virus.

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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Inspector General

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1. Can I be disciplined for contacting an IG?

No! Contact with an IG is a “protected communication.” A supervisor or employee who reprises against an employee for contacting an IG faces possible punishment for violation of the statutory prohibition against reprisal for Whistleblowing.

2. What is a “protected communication?”

A protected communication is defined as:

• Any lawful communication to a member of Congress or an Inspector General.
• A communication in which a member of the Armed Forces provides information that the member reasonably believes evidences a violation of law or regulation, including sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination, mismanagement, a gross waste of funds or other resources, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, when such communication is made to any of the following:
  • A member of Congress, an IG, or a member of a DOD audit, inspection, investigation, or law enforcement organization.
• Any other person or organization (including any person or organization in the chain of command) designated under Component regulations or other established administrative procedures to receive such complaints. Section 591 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005, effective October 28, 2004, amends 10 U.S.C. 1034 to make clear that any individual within a military member’s chain of command may receive protected communications. “Chain of command” in this context includes not only the succession of commanders from a superior to a subordinate through which command is exercised, but also the succession of officers, enlisted, or civilian personnel through which administrative control is exercised, including supervision and rating of the member’s performance.

3. What is “reprisal?”

Reprisal is taking or threatening to take an unfavorable personnel action or withholding or threatening to withhold a favorable personnel action on a military member for making or preparing a protected disclosure.  More information concerning Military Whistleblower Protection can be found in DoD Directive 7050.06.

4. Can I see the IG during normal duty hours?

There are no preconditions for coming to the Inspector General for assistance; however, during normal duty hours, military and Department of Defense (DoD) personnel must inform the chain of command that they are leaving their place of duty. They cannot just walk off the job and fail to inform their supervisors where they are going. After duty hours, they may go to the Inspector General without notifying their supervisors. Anyone, regardless of status, may make a complaint, allegation, or request for information or assistance to any Army or Air Force IG concerning matters of Army or Air Force interest.

5. What is a “third party complaint?”

Third-party complainants are individuals who provide a complaint on behalf of a Soldier, Airman, civilian employee or anyone else.

The Privacy Act prohibits the release of Privacy Act protected information to the third parties without the consent of the individual to whom the information pertains unless a Privacy Act exception applies that permits disclosure.

IG responses to third parties are direct in nature and simply acknowledge receipt of the complaint.

6. What types of complaints are appropriate for the IG?

• Threats to homeland security
• Health and safety issues 
• Trafficking in persons
• Whistleblower reprisal military, civilian, contractor employees, non-appropriated fund employees 
• Improper military mental health evaluations
• Leaks of classified information
• Bribery and acceptance of gratuities 
• Conflicts of interest
• Contract and procurement fraud
• Health care fraud
• Travel or purchase card fraud
• Cost/labor mischarging 
• Counterfeit or substandard parts
• Computer crimes
• Abuse of Authority
• Restricting someone from seeing the IG

Any Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA), violations of law, instructions, or policy should be reported through the appropriate grievance channels.

The fact that you may disagree with your supervisor(s) over management styles or have what you believe is a “personality conflict,” does not constitute an injustice or mismanagement.

If you are not sure your concern is an IG matter, contact the IG office for guidance or advice.

7. What types of complaints are not appropriate for the IG?

The following is a list of issues that are typically not appropriate for the IG, however, anyone can contact the IG regarding the issues below:

• Criminal allegations
• Issues that have other means of redress (if the appropriate redress procedures are used, IGs will advise complainants that IG involvement focuses on ensuring that the complainant received due process and the protection of rights as intended by law and regulation)
• Court-martial actions
• Non-judicial punishment
• Officer evaluation reports
• Enlisted reductions
• NCO evaluation reports
• Type of discharge received
• Pending or requested discharge
• Complaints that a commanding officer has wronged a soldier
• Financial liability investigations of property loss
• Civilian allegations of reprisals
• Claims
• Issues that are not Army or Air Force related
• Department of Defense civilian employee redress through other channels
• Relief for cause
• Adverse information filed in personnel records (except for allegations of reprisal)
• Hazardous work conditions
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Collective bargaining agreements
• Appeals of adverse actions within the purview of 5 USC 7701-7703

8. Can I talk to an IG “off the record?”

Information provided to an IG is never “off the record!” However, we attempt to maintain confidentiality.

9. Who can file an IG complaint?

Anyone!

If you have a concern and are unsure if you should file a complaint, contact your local IG office for guidance at Phone: (785) 646-0020/ 0021/ 0022/ 0024 or Fax: (785) 646-0023.

Any military member, retiree or civilian may file an IG complaint, however, many Department of Army or Department of Air Force civilian complaints (ex: discrimination, sexual harassment, and conditions of employment) must be addressed by agencies other than the IG.

Anyone, including civilians with no Army or Air Force affiliation, may file Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) disclosures. Depending on the circumstances, the IG may also accept complaints from dependents or relatives of military members and retirees and their dependents; however, it is always best for the actual “victim” or person who witnessed the alleged wrongdoing to file the complaint.

10. What IG do I or my family speak to if I am mobilized/deployed?

Inspector General "coverage" is typically based on geographic location or unit affiliation, therefore:

• If you are at your home station, contact the Kansas National Guard Inspector General.
• If you are at the mobilization station (i.e.: Camp Shelby, Camp Atterbury, Fort Dix, etc.), contact the local installation (fort/base) Inspector General.
• If you are deployed to a theater outside the U.S., (i.e.: Iraq, Afghanistan), contact the higher headquarters or local Inspector General.
• If you are deployed to an area of operation inside the U.S. (i.e.: Arizona, Louisiana, Kentucky, etc.), contact the nearest installation/division/wing or your home state's Inspector General's office.

When in doubt as to whether or not the Kansas National Guard Inspector General will have "jurisdiction" over your case, don't hesitate to contact us at 785-646-0020/0021/0022,0024 and we will advise accordingly.

For family members of deployed Soldiers/Airmen:

The families of Soldiers/Airmen who are deployed are assigned a Family Assistance Center (FAC) Specialist, and that FAC Specialist should be their first point of contact when assistance is needed.

If the Soldier, Airman or family member is associated with a unit not deployed, they can still contact the State Family Program Office. State Family Support Services personnel are available at 785-646-0165.

If the issue remains unresolved and after appropriate agency failed to respond in a timely manner, then family members should contact the Kansas National Guard Inspector General or other Inspector General's office.

11. How do I contact the next higher level IG?

View the staff directory.

12. What information will the IG need from me?

Identify to the IG what you would like the IG system to do for you.

Provide copies of any hard evidence or written documentation that you have to support your case and a list of other offices/agencies you have contacted regarding your issues when you contact the IG. This will greatly assist in the resolution of your issues.

Please attach your support documents to your completed and signed Department of Army (DA) form 1559, Inspector General Action Request (provided on our Army National Guard Toolbox page) or Air Force Form 102, Inspector General Personal and Fraud, Waste and Abuse Complaint Registration (provided on our Air National Guard Toolbox page) and mail, email, or fax to our office (please see contact information provided on our main page).

13. Can an Inspector General order my supervisor to fix a problem?

No! An Inspector General belongs to the Commander’s Personal Staff. The IG has no command authority. Therefore, we report, and make recommendations to the Commander for his/her action.

14. Can I obtain the results of an Inspector General’s investigation/inquiry that I initiated?

The initiator of an IG investigation/inquiry will be informed upon the completion of an investigation/inquiry of the results as they pertain to the initiator. An individual may request IG records through the Freedom of Information Act by writing to the IG Office of record. However, due to concerns regarding confidentiality, they are not allowed to obtain the results of an investigation/inquiry concerning third parties. (Privacy Act of 1974, Army Regulation 20-1, Air Force Instruction 90-301).

15. What happens if someone knowingly provides false information to an IG?

Those who knowingly and intentionally provide false statements to an IG are subject to potential punitive and administrative action.

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State Human Resources

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1. What is the last day to use vacation overage?

For 2023, the last day to use vacation overage is June 10, 2023.  If vacation balance is still over maximum, the HR staff will transfer up to 40 hours to your sick leave balance.

2. What is the last day to use my Discretionary Day?

For 2023, your DDY will expire on December 23, 2023.  You must take it in a full day increment.

3. Is KPERS contribution mandatory?

Yes.  The legislature has set the contributions at 6% for each benefits eligible employee.