is one of the most difficult aspects of federal disaster recovery funding for both local stakeholders and citizens to grasp. It is a federal law that applies to all federal disaster assistance, including from , the , , and the , among others. applicants are more likely to have a DOB because they’ve already received funding… Read more
policies and procedures are critical to program success but can be challenging to develop, especially for smaller communities who might be working with these types of federal policy requirements for the first time. Although they can be daunting, they should be viewed not just as another program requirement, but as a tool for helping your… Read more
FEMA’s independent study training courses offerings are one of the most important disaster preparation educational tools for government officials, staff, and other professionals engaged in FEMA efforts during disasters. Below, IBTS provides links to FEMA’s course offerings, organized by disaster phase. Click on the disaster phase to see the listing of course options specific to… Read more
FEMA’s online independent study course, Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning, covers the methodology for completing After Action Reports. IS-130 — Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning
FEMA currently offers four online independent study courses focused on FEMA mapping and geospatial capabilities related to disaster management. IS-60.b — The Homeland Security Geospatial Concept-of-Operations (GeoCONOPS) for Planners and Decision Makers IS-61.b — The Homeland Security Geospatial Concept-of-Operations (GeoCONOPS) In Depth IS-62.b — The Homeland Security Geospatial Concept-of-Operations (GeoCONOPS) In Use IS-63.b — Geospatial Information Infrastructure (GII) IS-103 — Geospatial Information Systems… Read more
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
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
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