FEMA standard terms and conditions are updated each fiscal year (FY). This Fact Sheet displays the FEMA standard terms and conditions for FY 2023. These standard terms and conditions apply to all non-disaster financial assistance awards funded in FY 2023.
1. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Review
DHS/FEMA funded activities that may require an Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) review are subject to the FEMA EHP review process. This review does not address all federal, state, and local requirements. Acceptance of federal funding requires the recipient to comply with all federal, state and local laws.
DHS/FEMA is required to consider the potential impacts to natural and cultural resources of all projects funded by DHS/FEMA grant funds, through its EHP review process, as mandated by: the National Environmental Policy Act; National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended; National Flood Insurance Program regulations; and any other applicable laws and executive orders. General guidance for FEMA’s EHP process is available on the DHS/FEMA Website. Specific applicant guidance on how to submit information for EHP review depends on the individual grant program and applicants should contact their grant Program Officer to be put into contact with EHP staff responsible for assisting their specific grant program. The EHP review process must be completed before funds are released to carry out the proposed project; otherwise, DHS/FEMA may not be able to fund the project due to noncompliance with EHP laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies.
If ground disturbing activities occur during construction, applicant will monitor ground disturbance, and if any potential archaeological resources are discovered the applicant will immediately cease work in that area and notify the pass-through entity, if applicable, and DHS/FEMA.
2. Applicability of DHS Standard Terms and Conditions to Tribes
The DHS Standard Terms and Conditions are a restatement of general requirements imposed upon recipients and flow down to sub-recipients as a matter of law, regulation, or executive order. If the requirement does not apply to Indian tribes or there is a federal law or regulation exempting its application to Indian tribes, then the acceptance by Tribes of, or acquiescence to, DHS Standard Terms and Conditions does not change or alter its inapplicability to an Indian tribe. The execution of grant documents is not intended to change, alter, amend, or impose additional liability or responsibility upon the Tribe where it does not already exist.
3. Acceptance of Post Award Changes
In the event FEMA determines that an error in the award package has been made, or if an administrative change must be made to the award package, recipients will be notified of the change in writing. Once the notification has been made, any subsequent requests for funds will indicate recipient acceptance of the changes to the award. Please call FEMA Grant Management Operations at (866) 927-5646 or via e-mail to: ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov if you have any questions.
4. Disposition of Equipment Acquired Under the Federal Award
For purposes of original or replacement equipment acquired under this award by a non-state recipient or non-state sub-recipients, when that equipment is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a federal awarding agency, you must request instructions from FEMA to make proper disposition of the equipment pursuant to 2 C.F.R. section 200.313. State recipients and state sub-recipients must follow the disposition requirements in accordance with state laws and procedures.
5. Prior Approval for Modification of Approved Budget
Before making any change to the FEMA approved budget for this award, you must request prior written approval from FEMA where required by 2 C.F.R. section 200.308.
For purposes of non-construction projects, FEMA is utilizing its discretion to impose an additional restriction under 2 C.F.R. section 200.308(f) regarding the transfer of funds among direct cost categories, programs, functions, or activities. Therefore, for awards with an approved budget where the federal share is greater than the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), you may not transfer funds among direct cost categories, programs, functions, or activities without prior written approval from FEMA where the cumulative amount of such transfers exceeds or is expected to exceed ten percent (10%) of the total budget FEMA last approved.
For purposes of awards that support both construction and non-construction work, FEMA is utilizing its discretion under 2 C.F.R. section 200.308(h)(5) to require the recipient to obtain prior written approval from FEMA before making any fund or budget transfers between the two types of work.
You must report any deviations from your FEMA approved budget in the first Federal Financial Report (SF-425) you submit following any budget deviation, regardless of whether the budget deviation requires prior written approval.
6. Indirect Cost Rate
2 C.F.R. section 200.211(b)(15) requires the terms of the award to include the indirect cost rate for the federal award. If applicable, the indirect cost rate for this award is stated in the budget documents or other materials approved by FEMA and included in the award file.