Public Assistance Resource Library

The purpose of the assessment was to determine if the PA National Delivery Model and the establishment of the Consolidated Resource Centers were meeting the original design intent (2017) to standardize PA program delivery, and increase accuracy, efficiency, and simplicity, as well as improve timeliness and accessibility, for processing grants for States, Locals, Territories, and Tribal Nations. A contract to conduct the assessment was secured in early 2022. A PA Taskforce was established to support the assessment by ensuring data from 2018 to July 2022 was readily available to the contractor in addition to supporting the collection of extensive internal and external stakeholder feedback from April to July 2022 for analysis.

The foundation of recommended changes results from extensive stakeholder feedback including contacting all 50 states, five territories, and nine tribes, conducting 1,009 interviews, and surveying 1,272 respondents at all levels within the PA Program. The independent report will aid in the agency’s commitment to simplifying and streamlining program requirements, reducing the burden on stakeholders/applicants, and expanding access to Public Assistance grant funding.

• January 18, 2023
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• |   Fact Sheet

This policy streamlines application procedure for Small Project funding under the PA program to simplify implementation of the PA program and support rapid recovery for Applicants. The use of simplified procedures, such as submitting self-certified estimates and summary reports, may allow applicants to receive funding early and promotes rapid recovery of the affected community. This policy defines FEMA’s simplified procedures and requirements for Small Projects funded under the PA program.

• January 9, 2023
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• |   Policy

The purpose of this memorandum is to address FEMA’s allowance of retroactive agreements under the Public Assistance (PA) Program when necessary to carry out eligible Emergency Protective Measures (EPMs), specifically for COVID-19 nationwide emergency and major disaster declarations. This memorandum applies to all major disaster and emergency declarations for the COVID-19 pandemic.

• December 21, 2022
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• |   Memorandum

This fact sheet provides guidance for determining the eligibility of PNP applicants, including Houses of Worship (HOWs), and work performed in accordance with emergency and major disaster declarations.

• October 13, 2022
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• |   Fact Sheet

This document intends to provide FEMA staff uniform guidance on selecting representative samples when determining programmatic eligibility and proper accounting of costs for Public Assistance (PA) projects. It outlines appropriate sample sizes, procedures for what do when issues or deviations are found in a sample and provides a standard method for documenting the sample for potential future reviews. It is meant to be flexible for all instances where sampling is appropriate. Applicants may be subject to audits by their Recipient, the DHS Office of Inspector General, the Government Accountability Office, the Comptroller General of the United States, or as part of a Single Audit

• October 3, 2022
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• |   Guidance

This fact sheet outlines the process Public Housing Agency (PHA) Applicants should follow to apply for FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program. PHAs applying for PA should coordinate closely with their state, local, tribal, or territorial officials.

• September 8, 2022
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• |   Fact Sheet

The Public Assistance Program Delivery Guide (Operational Draft) describes how the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) implements the Public Assistance (PA) Program. The guide builds on the principles in the Incident Management and Support Keystone (IMSK) and the Recovery Operations Support Manual (ROSM), and this guide establishes the framework for Applicant-driven, state-led, and federally supported delivery of PA. The PA Program Delivery Guide defines objectives and indicators of successful program delivery, along with Applicant, Recipient, and FEMA roles and responsibilities. This guide is an operational draft and describes the program as it is intended to be delivered. In some cases, current roles or organizational structures may vary from the framework in this guide.

• September 1, 2022
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The Community Disaster Loan Program is available to local governments that have been adversely affected by major disasters. The documents contained herein provide general information about eligibility and program implementation.

• August 28, 2022
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Public Assistance Program Delivery Guide Executive Summary
The Public Assistance Program Delivery Guide operational draft describes how the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) implements the Public Assistance (PA) Program. Building on the principles in the Incident Management and Support Keystone (IMSK) and the Recovery Operations Support Manual (ROSM), this guide establishes the framework for Applicant-driven, state-led, and federally supported delivery of PA.

• August 1, 2022
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The Test-to-Treat initiative, released as part of the White House updated National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, makes it easier for people at high risk of severe disease to access COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments quickly. It also addresses the FEMA Public Assistance role in continuing to support in the fight against COVID-19 by offering funding through the Public Assistance Program with guidance regarding eligible work and costs for state, local, tribal nation, and territorial (SLTT) government entities related to establishing and operating Test-to-Treat sites.

• June 24, 2022
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• |   Fact Sheet