Public Assistance

In response to the 2007 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, the FEMA will begin a new Public Assistance Pilot Program sometime this summer. Public Assistance is designed to help repair and replace critical infrastructure, public structures and services damaged in a disaster, as well as speed the recovery process by improving debris removal operations and supporting emergency measures. Under the program, new procedures will include incentives to encourage jurisdictions to be better prepared to respond to and recover from a natural or man-made disaster. For example, the federal cost share will be increased for those communities who maintain a FEMA-approved disaster debris management plan and have under contract a minimum of one debris removal contractor prior to an event.

Other provisions include payment up-front by FEMA for project costs based on approved Project Worksheet cost estimates for debris removal, emergency work and repairs and replacements to disaster-damaged facilities. It also reimburses the straight-time salaries and benefits of an applicant’s full-time staff involved in the debris removal process. Finally, as an incentive to recycle disaster-generated debris, the program allows the jurisdiction to retain any revenue gained from doing so.

BDR has a team of Public Assistance experts who can help clients maximize the benefits and incentives of the program. We can:

• Utilize our proven debris estimation models and labor forecasting techniques to develop accurate cost estimates for initial Project Worksheets to access immediate funds
• Write or review debris management plans for compliance with the newly issued FEMA Debris Management Guide 325
• Write or review contract documents to ensure the jurisdiction retains qualified contractors, favorable contract terms and maximum reimbursement opportunities
• Conduct recycling feasibility studies to identify alternatives and markets for the disposal of massive amounts of debris generated by a disaster
• Help communities who elect to be actively involved in debris removal properly document the process for maximum reimbursement
• Help document force account labor for emergency measures to maximize reimbursement for eligible Category A work.
  

Questions about our Public Assistance services? Contact BDR today at 1.866.540.2325 to learn more about how we can assist you.