FEMA Releases Fourth Version of the Public Assistance Policy and Program Guide. May 2020

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The fourth version of the Public Assistance Policy and Program Guide will go into effect on June 1, 2020. The latest version supersedes version 3.1 and will be applicable to incidents declared on or after June 1, 2020.   

The Public Assistance Policy and Program Guide is a comprehensive program resource that combines FEMA Public Assistance policy into a single volume and provides an overview of the program implementation process with links to other publications and documents that provide additional process details.

The Fourth Edition was released in draft form with a 45-day public comment period. The FEMA Public Assistance program received and adjudicated more than 580 public comments while drafting the final version.

Updates to the guide includes, but are not limited to:

• Incorporation of the Public Assistance Alternative Procedures for Permanent Work Pilot Policy (FEMA Policy 104-009-7);
• Incorporation of the Public Assistance National Delivery Model process and procedures;
• Updates to administrative processes and eligibility of applicants, emergency work, permanent work, and cost; and,
• Incorporation and subsequent supersession of various policies, job aids, and fact sheets.

FEMA makes updates to the guide on an annual basis when necessary and conducts a comprehensive review no less than every three years.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this FEMA Advisory, please contact FEMA Office of External Affairs, Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Division:

·       Congressional Affairs at (202) 646-4500 or at FEMA-Congressional-Affairs@fema.dhs.gov

·       Intergovernmental Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov

·       Tribal Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov

Private Sector Engagement at (202) 646-3444 or at nbeoc@max.gov

FEMA Releases COVID-19 Operational Guidance for Hurricane Season. May 2020

FEMA released "COVID-19 Pandemic Operational Guidance for the 2020 Hurricane Season" to help emergency managers and public health officials best prepare for disasters, while continuing to respond to and recover from COVID-19.
 
The guide provides actions emergency managers and public officials can take to prepare for response and recovery operations during ongoing COVID-19 response efforts. Specifically, the guidance:

• Describes anticipated challenges to disaster operations posed by COVID-19.
• Highlights planning considerations for emergency managers based on current challenges.
• Outlines how FEMA plans to adapt response and recovery operations.
• Creates a shared understanding of expectations between FEMA and emergency managers.
• Includes guidance, checklists and resources to support emergency managers' response and recovery planning.

Private sector and non-governmental organizations can use the guidance to gain an understanding of the government’s posture, planning and readiness efforts.
 
To expand awareness and understanding of the guidance, FEMA’s National Preparedness Directorate is conducting four webinars. The webinars will allow emergency managers an opportunity to discuss how the guidance can assist jurisdictions review and modify their plans given the constraints and limitations of the ongoing pandemic. To register, please click on the link for the preferred webinar from the list below:

• Webinar 1: FEMA Adobe Connect
  2 - 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 2.
   
• Webinar 2: FEMA Adobe Connect
  10 - 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, June 4.
   
• Webinar 3: FEMA Adobe Connect
  1 - 2 p.m. ET on Monday, June 8.
   
• Webinar 4: FEMA Adobe Connect
  3 - 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 10.

 Download the COVID-19 Pandemic Operational Guidance for the 2020 Hurricane Season on the FEMA website