grantees are required to complete a programmatic certification checklist, issued by HUD for each CDBG-DR grant allocation, to demonstrate that they have policies and procedures in place and the capacity to carry out the following: Financial controls Procurement Prevention of Procedures to determine timely expenditures Procedures to maintain a comprehensive website Procedures to detect fraud,… Read more
Although many grantees are familiar with regular CDBG programs, CDBG disaster recovery programs have important differences that require adjustments to existing CDBG policies, and sometimes even the development of new policies. “You can’t treat your CDBG-DR program like a regular CDBG program,” says IBTS Economic Development and Disaster Recovery Program Director Mike Spletto. “Disaster recovery… Read more
Although many first-time grantees are familiar with regular CDBG programs, there are important differences between the two — from federal regulation requirements to the funds allocation and the application processes. Grantees must identify areas where the programs differ in order to develop new processes or adjust existing CDBG processes to meet the needs of the… Read more
grantees are required to develop policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure they meet all of ‘s required public communications, outreach and engagement requirements. For example, grantees must have a defined process for how they will conduct homeowner applicant communications, make documents like the Action Plan available for public comment, and maintain a public-facing… Read more
grantees must ensure their financial management systems are in compliance with local, state and federal requirements. This involves updating existing financial policies, and oftentimes developing new policies. To prevent misspending or mishandling CDBG-DR funding, it’s important that grantees review their existing financial management policies or develop new policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) before spending any funds. For example, grantees must… Read more
Each CDBG-DR appropriation is authorized through a Public Law (PL) and the associated Federal Register (FR) Notice. Together, these detail the rules and regulations that govern the use of funds as well as any waivers to the CDBG rules. The following tips provide guidance to help grantees ensure they have a thorough understanding of… Read more
FEMA provides funding to individuals and households following a major disaster in the form of housing assistance and funding for other disaster-caused expenses. Receiving these funds can help you recover following a disaster. However, it is important to understand how the program works. First, review eligibility requirements. To be eligible for funds, all of… Read more
This FEMA Best Practice guide outlines recommendations for localities to provide pet-friendly shelters during emergencies and large-scale evacuations. Localities should have a plan for implementing pet-friendly shelters to increase the likelihood that pet-owners will evacuate to safety with their pets. Pet-friendly shelters typically allow pet-owners to care for their own animals within the owner’s shelter… Read more
The Super Circular or Omni Circular, officially called the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 C.F.R. Part 200) went into effect on December 26, 2014, to increase the accessibility and impact of federal program funds by decreasing time spent complying with burdensome administrative requirements and better protect against waste,… Read more
The following summarizes the history of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The early post-Great Depression legislative measures from 1932 – 1938 stimulated housing construction in the U.S. Emergency Relief and Reconstruction Act of 1932 P.L. 75 – 432 First major U.S. relief legislation. Passed by Congress… Read more
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