The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development () requires outreach to citizens, applicants, local leaders, and other stakeholders as part of the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery () program. However, this outreach is also critical in educating the community on the program, keeping them up-to-date and demonstrating the tangible progress of the program. Typically, the CDBG-DR… Read more
Procurement of materials and services often presents challenges for grantees, who tend to be unfamiliar with the federal procurement policies they must follow to meet ‘s compliance standards. Grantees cannot simply begin purchasing materials and services using their existing procurement policies, but must update them to be compliant with federal regulations as outlined in 2 CFR Part… Read more
Contractors, as well as recipients of federal financial assistance, are required to register in the System for Award Management (SAM). This applies to the program, which requires that grantees, subrecipients, subgrantees, contractors and units of local governments register in SAM. CDBG-DR grantees or subgrantees who aren’t registered in SAM, or who procure contractors not registered… Read more
In February 2018, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made an important update to the way that Small Business Association (SBA) disaster loans are assessed, a change which applies to . A DOB occurs when any person, business, or entity uses federal funds to cover losses for which they have already received assistance… Read more
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 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
Whether your community is a grantee or subgrantee of a award, you will be required to complete an unmet needs assessment to help prioritize your recovery projects and determine how your funding will be allocated between housing, economic development, and infrastructure recovery projects. Based on IBTS’s experience conducting unmet needs assessments across the country, IBTS… Read more
During contractor procurement, grantees are required to meet the federal minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) goals to remain in compliance with the program. This guidance document includes checklists for meeting minimum acceptable outreach standards; guidelines for M/WBE outreach programs; section 3 requirements; and compliance and recordkeeping requirements. Guidance on Minority Business Enterprise and Women’s… Read more
Returning home after weathering a natural disaster is not always a simple process. However, providing homeowners with information on post-disaster repairs and reconstruction before a disaster hits can help residents in your community return to their homes as quickly and safely as possible. These tips are intended for a local agency, NGO, or other agency tasked… Read more
This FEMA video explains the shelter at home program and how it was implemented in Louisiana after the catastrophic August 2016 floods left thousands of residents with severely damaged homes. The shelter at home program is funded through FEMA’s program and in no way detracts from a homeowner’s eligibility to receive from FEMA. The program… Read more
Stay up to date with all the latest IBTS news.